Looking for scleral lenses but want the most precise fit possible?
At Westmead Eyes, we design custom scleral lenses using advanced imaging technology, including sMap3D scleral profilometry. This allows us to create highly customised lenses for patients with complex corneal conditions where standard fitting methods may not be sufficient.
We regularly see patients referred for more advanced fitting when traditional trial-and-error approaches have not achieved a stable or comfortable result.
Looking for scleral lenses? Learn more about our consultations here: Scleral Contact Lenses
A custom designed sMap3D scleral lens
Why Use sMap3D for Scleral Lenses?
sMap3D is an advanced imaging system that captures the shape of the eye in high detail, including the sclera (the white part of the eye), where scleral lenses rest.
By mapping the eye with a large number of measurement points, we can design lenses that are tailored more precisely to your individual eye shape.
This approach can:
- Improve lens comfort and stability
- Reduce issues such as fogging or decentration
- Provide more consistent and reliable vision
- Reduce the need for multiple trial lenses
This is particularly helpful in complex cases such as keratoconus, corneal grafts, or eyes that have been difficult to fit.
Common Problems with Standard Scleral Lenses
If your lenses were fitted using a traditional trial-and-error approach, you may experience:
- Decentered lenses where you may not be looking through the “optic zone” causing reduced clarity in vision
- Fogging of your lenses as there are gaps for tears to enter the lens bowl where the lens is not aligned to your eye or is tilted on your eye surface
- Redness around the edges of the lenses where it may be digging into your conjunctiva (white part of the eye)
- Uncomfortable lenses
- Seeing rainbows or haloes around lights if you have a corneal graft, resulting in failure or decompensation due to lack of oxygen
A more customised design approach can often address these issues.
What Does The Process Involve?
The 3D modelling process is completely painless and captures images of your eye from a number of angles which are then stitched together. These images are combined to create a detailed 3D model of the eye surface, which is then used to design a customised scleral lens. This allows for a higher level of precision compared to traditional fitting methods, particularly in more complex cases.
How Much are sMap3D Designed Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses designed using sMap3D are slightly more expensive that standard scleral lenses. The cost of a pair of sMap3D designed scleral lenses starts from $3650. This includes all the consultations involved for the initial lens fitting process, one pair of sMap3D designed scleral lenses and a lens care kit to get you started. Additional charges will apply for surface coatings such as Tangible Hydra-PEG and multifocal or bifocal designs.
A standalone sMap3D scan is $295. This fee is waived if you proceed with lens ordering on the same day.
If you have private health insurance with extras cover — such as Medibank Private, BUPA, or others — part of the cost of the initial package or replacement lenses may be claimable.
In the event that your scleral lens is ineffective and it needs to be discontinued within our 3 month warranty period, we offer a 50% credit of the lens costs towards another optical appliance (this does not apply to scleral lenses designed over corneal grafts and there may be limited wear time depending on the condition of the graft). This amount will be given to you as a credit on your account at Westmead Eyes. The cost of our consultations are non refundable.
What If I Currently Wear Scleral Lenses And Wish To Be Refitted?
If you are currently wearing scleral or RGP lenses and are considering a refit, you will need to stop lens wear prior to your scan.
We recommend:
- Minimum: 2 days out of lenses
- Ideally: up to 1 week
This ensures we can capture the true shape of your eye and design a more accurate lens.
If you are thinking about sMap3D designed scleral contact lenses in Sydney, give us a call on (02) 9635 8464 OR 04988 OPTOM or contact us here.