Scleral Lens Fitting in the Nordic Countries
Zschüttig Wigh, Eva (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051512362
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051512362
Tiivistelmä
Purpose
The aim of this study was to identify to what extent scleral lenses were being fitted in the Nordic coun-tries and compare scleral lens fitting patterns in the Nordic countries.
Methods
An online-based questionnaire was designed to identify the number of optometrists fitting scleral lenses and when this lens modality was chosen by the optometrists in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and
Sweden. The questionnaire included questions for optometrists fitting scleral lenses and for optometrists not fitting scleral lenses, asking about their willingness to fit this lens type. The survey was conducted from June to October 2021. This study did not require IRB approval since it did not involve collecting or analysing patient data. The collected data underwent descriptive statistical analysis.
Results
301 responses were analysed. 64% were from Sweden, 18% each from Finland and Norway, and no respondents from Denmark. 42% of the respondents were fitting scleral lenses, and a majority used this lens modality as a treatment for Dry Eye Disease. The major reason for not fitting scleral lenses was a lack of knowledge.
Conclusions
This study shows a significant interest among contact lens fitters in Nordic countries in starting to fit scleral lenses among practitioners not already fitting this modality. 63% of the optometrists who were not fitting scleral lenses would consider fitting this lens type if there was an easily accessible way to learn how to fit these lenses.
Keywords: scleral lenses, contact lens fitting, keratoconus, dry eye disease, Nordic countries.
The aim of this study was to identify to what extent scleral lenses were being fitted in the Nordic coun-tries and compare scleral lens fitting patterns in the Nordic countries.
Methods
An online-based questionnaire was designed to identify the number of optometrists fitting scleral lenses and when this lens modality was chosen by the optometrists in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and
Sweden. The questionnaire included questions for optometrists fitting scleral lenses and for optometrists not fitting scleral lenses, asking about their willingness to fit this lens type. The survey was conducted from June to October 2021. This study did not require IRB approval since it did not involve collecting or analysing patient data. The collected data underwent descriptive statistical analysis.
Results
301 responses were analysed. 64% were from Sweden, 18% each from Finland and Norway, and no respondents from Denmark. 42% of the respondents were fitting scleral lenses, and a majority used this lens modality as a treatment for Dry Eye Disease. The major reason for not fitting scleral lenses was a lack of knowledge.
Conclusions
This study shows a significant interest among contact lens fitters in Nordic countries in starting to fit scleral lenses among practitioners not already fitting this modality. 63% of the optometrists who were not fitting scleral lenses would consider fitting this lens type if there was an easily accessible way to learn how to fit these lenses.
Keywords: scleral lenses, contact lens fitting, keratoconus, dry eye disease, Nordic countries.