Carrasquillo, Karen G.

SIGNIFICANCE Alignment of the scleral lens haptic with the anterior ocular surface is of critical importance when fitting scleral lenses. The concept of leveraging big‐data analysis to drive lens design is explored in this study. This retrospective study evaluated fitting outcomes of a data‐driven, quadrant‐specific scleral lens design and found that most patients (76%) were successfully fit with this design. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes with a data‐driven, quadrant‐specific scleral lens design compared with traditional lens designs. METHODS For this multicenter retrospective observational study, A REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) survey was distributed to scleral lens practitioners who participated in β testing of a data‐driven, quadrant‐specific scleral lens design (study lens) between June 1, 2016, and January 31, 2017. Descriptive data were collected, and patient‐reported outcomes, visual acuity, and lens design outcomes achieved with the study lens were described. RESULTS Seventy‐five patients (85 eyes) were fit with the study lens design between June 2016 and January 2017. Mean patient age was 47 years (range, 17 to 77 years). Forty‐six were male, and 29 were female. Seventy‐six eyes (89%) were fit for corneal irregularity, whereas nine eyes (11%) were fit for management of ocular surface disease. Compared with habitual correction, 22% more eyes achieved 20/20 or better, and 21% more eyes achieved 20/40 or better. There was also a 60% decrease in the need for midday removal with the study lens. An average of two lenses were manufactured per eye to complete the fitting process. CONCLUSIONS Using a data‐driven, quadrant‐specific scleral lens resulted in visual improvement, a reduced need for midday removal, and an average of two lenses needed to complete the fitting process. Longer‐term clinical outcomes and the use of big‐data analysis to inform scleral lens design should be further explored.