Acute red eye (non-ulcerative keratitis) associated with mini-scleral contact lens wear for keratoconus

Abstract

Mini-scleral lenses are an increasingly popular contact lens modality; however, there are relatively few reports regarding the unique aspects of their fitting and potential complications. We report a complication of mini-scleral lens wear in a 44-year-old female patient using the lenses for keratoconus. Her mini-scleral contact lenses were non-fenestrated and fitted to vault over the cornea and seal at the periphery. The patient presented with an acute red eye (non-ulcerative keratitis), characterised by unilateral severe conjunctival and limbal hyperaemia, corneal infiltration and pain. Refitting the lens to increase the corneal vault clearance did not prevent recurrence of the keratitis, some five months later. Successful prevention of further episodes of the acute red eye was achieved through improved patient compliance with lens cleaning, disinfection and lens case procedures. Lens hygiene may be particularly important for mini-scleral lenses with a sealed fitting.