Impact of Symblepharon Management With Ocular Surface Reconstruction on Scleral Lens Fitting in Eyes With Chronic Cicatrizing Conjunctivitis and Keratopathy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the importance of symblepharon release with ocular surface reconstruction (OSR) for optimal fitting of scleral contact lenses (SCLs) in eyes with chronic cicatrizing conjunctivitis (CCC) and keratopathy. Methods: This retrospective study included 32 eyes with CCC and keratopathy with symblepharon which underwent symblepharon release with OSR and were fitted with SCLs. The primary outcome measure was the improvement in best-corrected visual acuity with SCL wear. Results: A total of 32 eyes of 29 patients (66% men) with a median age of 30.5 years were included. The common causes of CCC were Stevens–Johnson syndrome (66%) and ocular burns (16%). The most common location of symblepharon was superior (59%) with limbal involvement in most eyes (94%). Symblepharon release was combined with mucous membrane grafting (63%), amniotic membrane grafting (31%), or conjunctival autografting (6%). The median interval between symblepharon release with OSR and SCL trial was 15 weeks [interquartile range (IQR): 6–24]. The median best-corrected visual acuity improved from logMAR 1.5 (IQR: 1.2–1.8) to logMAR 1.2 (IQR: 0.6–1.4) with SCLs after symblepharon release with OSR ( P < 0.001). The median diameter of the SCL used was 15 mm (IQR: 15–16), with a median base curve of 7.9 mm (IQR: 7.9–8). Symblepharon recurrence was noted in 70% of eyes that underwent amniotic membrane grafting; no recurrence was seen with mucous membrane grafting or conjunctival autografting. Conclusions: In eyes with CCC with keratopathy and symblepharon, visual rehabilitation is possible with SCLs after symblepharon release with OSR without having to resort to a penetrating corneal procedure.