Fitting Retinal Disease Patients - Scorecard - MDSpire

Fitting Retinal Disease Patients

Before initiating any contact lens fitting, confirm retinal stability because many retinal diseases—including diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and postoperative scarring following retinal detachment—can fluctuate over time.

  • By

  • Ryan McKinnis, OD, FAAO

  • March 2, 2026

  • 4 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Fitting Retinal Disease Patients

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionRetinal Disease
Key MechanismsImpact of retinal stability on contact lens fitting and patient comfort.
Target PopulationPatients with retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and postoperative scarring.
Care SettingOptometry clinics specializing in contact lens fitting.

Key Highlights

  • Confirm retinal stability before contact lens fitting.
  • Consider functional visual deficits when selecting lenses.
  • High-DK silicone hydrogel and scleral lenses improve comfort for patients with ocular surface disease.
  • Insertion and removal training may require additional time for older patients.
  • Candid discussions about outcomes enhance patient satisfaction.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Review recent OCT scans and visual acuity trends to confirm retinal stability.

Management

  • Select lens materials that enhance moisture retention for comfort.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Document stability for several months before fitting.

Risks

  • Consider the potential for dry eye disease and ocular surface health.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with various retinal diseases affecting vision.

Scleral lenses are preferred for patients with neurotrophic keratitis or ocular surface disease.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Wait for clearance from a retina specialist before fitting.
  • Use a structured approach to enhance patient experience.
  • Assign patient training to staff with patience and experience.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

Fitting Retinal Disease Patients

  • by Ryan McKinnis, OD, FAAO

  • March 2, 2026

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