Rethinking Tear Exchange in Sclerals - Summary - MDSpire

Rethinking Tear Exchange in Sclerals

Discover how innovative channel modifications in scleral lenses can significantly enhance tear exchange and mitigate common complications, according to recent findings by Dr. Melissa Barnett.

  • By

  • Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS

  • March 1, 2026

  • 4 min

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Objective:

To quantify the effect of landing zone modifications on tear exchange during short-term scleral lens wear.

Key Findings:
  • The peripheral channel lens design showed greater fluorescent intensity compared to the notched design and toric control lens, especially in the corneal periphery.
  • The notch design exhibited reduced fluorescent intensity, indicating lower tear exchange.
  • The channel design resulted in increased tear ingress, suggesting improved tear dynamics.
Interpretation:

Channel modifications in scleral lenses enhance short-term tear exchange by potentially creating a preferential flow pathway, which may reduce complications associated with lens wear.

Limitations:
  • The study involved a small sample size of nine participants.
  • Results are based on short-term wear and may not reflect long-term outcomes.
Conclusion:

Channel modifications in scleral lenses may guide future innovations in lens design to improve tear exchange and reduce complications.

Original Source(s)

Rethinking Tear Exchange in Sclerals

  • by Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS

  • March 1, 2026

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