Presenter Status
Fellow
Abstract Type
Case Report
Primary Mentor or Principal Investigator
Christina Twardowski
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
20-5-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
20-5-2026 12:00 PM
Abstract Text
Background: A patient with chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC) and resulting corneal scarring of the right eye presented for scleral contact lens fitting to aid with recurrent corneal ulcers. BKC is a chronic condition that begins with chalazia and blepharitis, leading to conjunctival hyperemia and corneal inflammation. BKC is considered a bilateral condition that can show asymmetry. The clinical signs can range from meibomian gland dysfunction and meibomitis to corneal infiltrates, vascularization, ulcers, and scarring.
Objectives/Goal: The patient had presented for recurrent BKC flare-ups that lead to repeat corneal ulcers. Previous treatment included prednisolone ophthalmic solution, erythromycin ointment, lid hygiene, warm compresses, moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution and bandage contact lenses. The patient historically reduced recurrences with frequent lubrication and bandage contact lenses, indicating the potential treatment benefit of a scleral lens fluid reservoir.
Methods/Design: Due to the chronicity of the symptoms and recurrence of corneal involvement, the patient was fit into a scleral contact lens to protect the ocular surface, increase lubrication, and prevent further scarring. The patient was instructed to continue erythromycin ointment nightly and warm compresses with lid massage to reduce the eyelid inflammation and bacterial load.
Results: After 4 weeks of scleral contact lens wear, the patient returned to clinic with no signs of inflammation or corneal changes. While the main treatment goal was aimed at reducing recurrence of corneal involvement, vision did improve from 20/100 to 20/60.
Conclusions: In cases of recurrent BKC with corneal scarring and ulcers, a scleral lens should be considered, as this treatment modality can provide consistent lubrication to protect the ocular surface, promote healing, and potentially improve vision.
Scleral Lens For Recurrent Corneal Ulcer in a Pediatric Patient with Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis
Background: A patient with chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC) and resulting corneal scarring of the right eye presented for scleral contact lens fitting to aid with recurrent corneal ulcers. BKC is a chronic condition that begins with chalazia and blepharitis, leading to conjunctival hyperemia and corneal inflammation. BKC is considered a bilateral condition that can show asymmetry. The clinical signs can range from meibomian gland dysfunction and meibomitis to corneal infiltrates, vascularization, ulcers, and scarring.
Objectives/Goal: The patient had presented for recurrent BKC flare-ups that lead to repeat corneal ulcers. Previous treatment included prednisolone ophthalmic solution, erythromycin ointment, lid hygiene, warm compresses, moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution and bandage contact lenses. The patient historically reduced recurrences with frequent lubrication and bandage contact lenses, indicating the potential treatment benefit of a scleral lens fluid reservoir.
Methods/Design: Due to the chronicity of the symptoms and recurrence of corneal involvement, the patient was fit into a scleral contact lens to protect the ocular surface, increase lubrication, and prevent further scarring. The patient was instructed to continue erythromycin ointment nightly and warm compresses with lid massage to reduce the eyelid inflammation and bacterial load.
Results: After 4 weeks of scleral contact lens wear, the patient returned to clinic with no signs of inflammation or corneal changes. While the main treatment goal was aimed at reducing recurrence of corneal involvement, vision did improve from 20/100 to 20/60.
Conclusions: In cases of recurrent BKC with corneal scarring and ulcers, a scleral lens should be considered, as this treatment modality can provide consistent lubrication to protect the ocular surface, promote healing, and potentially improve vision.
Comments
Poster Board Number: 5