Efecto del Uso de Lentes de Contacto Terapéuticos en Patologías de Segmento Anterior con Relación a la Sintomatología Percibida. Revisión de Literatura

Abstract

Introduction: The adaptation of contact lenses is a frequent optometric practice thanks to the multiple benefits that its adaptation brings, even though its use is not without complications due to the permanent interaction with the physiology of the ocular surface. Generally, they are used for the correction of ametropia and good visual functioning, however, at present they are considered among the treatment options in pathologies of the anterior segment thanks to their protection functions, drug reservoir, bandage action, corneal healing, structural support, hydration and cosmetic aid. For this reason, they could be used in various ocular pathologies that can become a frequent reason for consultation in clinical practice. Objective: To identify the uses of therapeutic contact lenses in pathologies of the anterior segment, as reported in the literature. Methodology: Publications in Spanish, English and Portuguese were obtained from search equations such as “Therapeutic contact lenses” AND “Anterior segment pathologies”, “Therapeutic contact lenses”. Articles published in the last 20 years were retrieved, found in more than five indexed databases, in gray literature, documents developed with methodology such as literature reviews, cases and controls, reports and series of cases. Bibliometric variables were reported (year, language of publication, type of study, etc.) and thematic variables (anterior segment pathologies or procedure in which it is indicated). Results: Approximately 70% of the articles consulted show that the soft contact lens is the most used for therapy and treatment of the ocular surface, followed by scleral contact lenses. On the other hand, 57% of the publications show the use of therapeutic contact lenses for the management of dry eye; and in most studies, the visual acuity of the evaluated subjects improves significantly despite not being the main objective in the therapeutic adaptation of contact lenses. Conclusions: Therapeutic contact lenses are useful in different ocular surface diseases and are indicated mainly to relieve pain, heal corneal wounds, promote corneal healing and epithelial regeneration, protect anterior segment structures, improve and stabilize visual acuity.