Q. Why was the new Boston Scleral Lens care regimen instituted two years ago?

A. Although extremely rare, the condition of your eyes may increase the risk of a potentially eye threatening corneal infection. To minimize this even further, we have been requesting patients to disinfect their lenses overnight in 3% hydrogen peroxide and rinse them thoroughly in saline prior to insertion. The challenge is to know when the rinse has been adequate other than being informed by an immediate burning sensation from your eyes when they are inserted. We have solved that problem. You will soon be able to purchase at a nominal cost, a specially designed scleral lens storage case. This case accommodates a tablet that converts the hydrogen peroxide to water after it has done its job and helps to clean the lenses as a bonus. The distributor, The Dry Eye Zone can be reached through its website: www.dryeyezone.com. For those who would like detailed care instructions, they can be downloaded from our website or you can call the Foundation for a mailing.

Q. Can the new T6 design help me?

A. The greatest advantage of this new design is its ability to minimize the lens bearing pressure on the sclera. Patients have reported less lens awareness but those who find their current lenses comfortable to wear full days are unlikely to notice much difference. Because the fit of this design is somewhat different from the older ones, it cannot be swapped with predictable results. Transitioning to the T6 requires a telescoped fitting process in our clinic.

Q. How can I insert and remove my scleral lenses without a suction device?

A. You should be prepared for the possibility of finding yourself without a lens suction holder. Step-by-step instructions on manual lens insertion and removal should be downloaded from our website. You can also request this information by email (info@bostonsight.org) or calling our office. Be sure to practice these maneuvers!

Q. When will the surface-coating technology be available?

A. Laboratory tests at MIT have already shown exciting promise. However, much more work needs to be done before we begin clinical testing, hopefully in the fall.

Q. I have keratoconus. When will the custom optics project produce results?

A. It has taken us a year to assemble and test the basic technologies required for this project. We hope to begin the clinical development phase of the program this summer, depending on funding.

New help for some patients with borderline functioning corneal grafts:

As compared to other organ transplants in the absence of rejection, corneal transplants often have a more limited functional life. A critical factor in the maintenance of their clarity is the integrity of the cells that line the back surface of the cornea called endothelial cells. They function like sump pumps to prevent the cornea from becoming overloaded with water and lose their transparency. As their numbers decline, each one needs a full measure of oxygen to work at its peak and if the oxygen supply is even modestly reduced, such as by wearing highly oxygen permeable scleral lenses, these grafts become swollen resulting in cloudy vision. Although the swelling rapidly clears when the lens is removed, wearing time can be limited significantly. We now can extend the wearing tolerance of many of these eyes with a new design that augments the oxygen delivery through the lens with a controlled delivery air system.

For any questions about lens and case care, contact the BFS 781.726.7333,
and ask to speak to one of our lens training staff.