Scleral Contact Lenses

What are scleral contact lenses? 

Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas permeable (GP) contact lenses that rest on the white of the eye and not directly on the cornea (the clear white area). They are very comfortable for patients, as there is little movement. The level of comfort is similar to soft lenses, and is a great option for sensitive eyes or irregular corneas. They do not dislodge or pop out of the eye, which is a common problem with corneal gas permeable lenses. The fluid layer created by a scleral lens creates a comfortable ocular environment throughout lens wear. Scleral lenses are fit by a  practitioner trained in this technology, and we are proud to offer the latest technology in scleral lens options. 

Scleral lenses may offer clarity and comfort for patients who have been previously told they were not good candidates for contacts or who have been unsuccessful with other types of contact lenses. 

Our scleral lens patients fall into a number of categories:

• Those for whom corneal transplant surgery is an option. With careful contact lens fitting most patients will not require a corneal transplant
• Keratoconus
• Keratoglobus
• Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
• Scarred corneas due to injury or disease 
• Failed or unsuccessful corneal surgery: 
•  Radial keratotomy 
•  Laser Refractive Surgery. (LASIK, LASEK, PRK) 
• Corneal grafts/ transplants which do not have satisfactory vision. 

Those for whom a Scleral contact lens is indicated for corneal protection. 
This includes:

• Severe dry eyes 
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome 
• Graft vs Host disease 
• Neurotrophic corneal disease 
• Sjorgren’s syndrome 
• Chemical and burn injuries  

How much are scleral lenses? 

We charge a package fee of $2550, which includes all the consultations involved and ongoing reviews, one pair of customised scleral lenses and a lens care kit to get you started. For health care card holders, we charge a package fee of  $2050. One set of scleral lenses can typically last 2 years if they are well looked after. 

If you would simply like a trial to see if scleral lenses will benefit you, the charge is $115. If you have a health care card, or a referral from Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic, this is bulk billed with no out of pocket expense to you.  

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. 

If you are thinking about scleral contact lenses in Sydney, give us a call on (02) 9635 8464 OR 04988 OPTOM or contact us here.

Further Resources

My Big Fat Scleral Lens is a patient support group on Facebook with members from all over the world who are wearing scleral lenses for a variety of complications.