HAPTIC (SCLERAL) LENSES

In the 1940’s haptic lenses were fitted with minimal clearance of the cornea.  The lens still rested on the scleral but there was only a thin tear layer under the lens.  These 
lenses were called fluidless lenses 
since fluid did not have to be put in 
the lens prior to placement on the 
eye.  A hole (called an aperture or 
fenestration) was put in the lens to 
allow exchange.

The fluidless lenses allowed longer 
wearing times since there was more 
exchange of the fluid and more 
oxygen reached the cornea.  Lens 
fitting was exacting and time consuming because of the necessity of matching the shape of the eye.

(Later modules will cover these lenses in more detail-they are still used on a limited basis for special situations or as cosmetic shells to cover damaged eyes).