How Mapping the Scleral Shape Changed Lens Fitting Forever
Scleral lenses have transformed vision correction for individuals with complex ocular conditions, offering unparalleled comfort and optical clarity. At the forefront of this evolution is Visionary Optics, a pioneer in scleral lens manufacturing, research, and technological advancement.
The Early Days of Modern Scleral Lenses
In 2001, Visionary Optics introduced one of the first commercially available scleral lenses, the Jupiter lens. This groundbreaking design quickly gained recognition in peer-reviewed research, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing conditions such as keratoconus, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, chronic graft-versus-host disease, and severe dry eye. The Jupiter lens also played a key role in early studies on intraocular pressure (IOP) and scleral lens settling, laying the foundation for future advancements in scleral lens design and fitting techniques.
Advancing Scleral Lens Design
Building on the success of the Jupiter lens, Visionary Optics continued to push the boundaries of scleral lens innovation. In 2013, Dr. Greg DeNaeyer and Eric Marshall, VP of Manufacturing, introduced the Europa lens, which remains a flagship product today. Featuring a five-curve design, the Europa lens offered enhanced customization options, including toric and quadrant-specific peripheries, edge vaulting (Precision Lift), and fenestrations, allowing for a highly tailored fit. Despite its advanced design, practitioners found it intuitive to adopt, making it accessible across varying levels of scleral lens fitting experience.
Transforming the Fitting Process with Scleral Profilometry
Recognizing the limitations of traditional scleral lens fitting methods, Visionary Optics revolutionized the field with the introduction of scleral profilometry. In 2015, the company launched the sMap3D scleral profilometer, a revolutionary technology to provide precise, three-dimensional mapping of the scleral surface. By offering data-driven fitting recommendations, this technology significantly reduced the trial-and-error process, improving patient outcomes and streamlining the fitting experience for eye care professionals.
In 2017, Dr. DeNaeyer and his research team further advanced the understanding of scleral shape by publishing the first study to classify eye shape using scleral profilometry. This research revealed that only 6% of eyes exhibit a purely spherical scleral shape, challenging the industry standard of fitting spherical landing zone designs. As a result, more practitioners began incorporating toric and quadrant-specific landing zones to optimize lens fit.
Further investigations led to the 2019 Scleral Shape Study Group’s research, which examined scleral shape variations in patients with ectatic disorders such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and post-LASIK ectasia. The study found that these patients exhibited quadrant-specific variations in sagittal height, underscoring the need for customized scleral lens designs based on individual ocular anatomy.
The Development of Freeform and Data-Driven Scleral Lenses
Building on insights gained through scleral profilometry, Visionary Optics introduced the Latitude lens, the first fully customized, freeform scleral lens. Designed using high-precision ocular shape data, the Latitude lens effectively accommodates irregular corneal and scleral surfaces, including eyes with severe keratoconus, pingueculae, pterygia, glaucoma tubes, and filtering blebs.
Expanding on these innovations, Visionary Optics launched the Europa Tangent lens in 2023, the first diagnostic scleral lens design informed by extensive profilometry data. With an elongated, tangential landing zone, the Europa Tangent lens offers a smoother, more consistent peripheral fit, enhancing comfort and visual stability.
The Visionary Optics team in conjunction with our sMap3D partners have designed and dispensed over 40,000 scleral lenses based upon scleral shape data obtained from sMap3D examinations.
The Future of Scleral Lens Innovation
Visionary Optics remains committed to pushing the boundaries of scleral lens technology. In late 2024, the company introduced the iContour® scleral profilometer, a next-generation instrument designed to enhance speed and precision in scleral shape mapping. This advancement supports custom lens design across the entire Visionary Optics portfolio, including the Europa, Tangent, and Latitude lenses.
With a dedication to research, innovation, and practitioner support, Visionary Optics continues to shape the future of scleral lens manufacturing. By integrating advanced scleral profilometry technology with precision-engineered lens designs, the company empowers eye care professionals to provide optimal vision solutions for even the most complex cases.
To learn more about Visionary Optics or to request more information, please visit: https://www.visionary-optics.com/
