It is very important that patients do not wear their scleral lenses or corneal GPs for several days before their sMap3D™ exam.
The accuracy of measurement of the anterior ocular surface taken with the sMap3D™ is crucial to design the best scleral lens for each individual eye. If lenses are worn immediately before the sMap3D™ exam, it will alter the surface fit of the sMap3D™-designed lens. While our consultants will try to compensate for remaining compression seen on the sMap3D™ exam, wearing lenses too close to the appointment could result in needing an additional remake based on the patient’s conjunctival rebound.
We encourage you to outline clear instructions with patients prior to their sMap3D™ mapping appointment. Advise them to stop wearing scleral lenses three to seven days in advance to ensure no scleral shape changes remain.
You may encounter a situation where a patient is still wearing contact lenses just before their sMap3D™ fitting. For current soft or corneal GP wearers, have the patient refrain from applying their lenses the morning of the fit. For patients wearing scleral lenses, ideally the patient would be without their lenses for 48 hours prior to measurement to allow the bulbar conjunctiva to rebound to its natural shape.
Some patients may not have functional vision with glasses, and for them to be without scleral lenses for 48 hours would be unreasonable. For these cases we suggest the following:
1. For binocular patients wearing lenses in both eyes that will be refit, fit one eye at a time.
2. For monocular patients, at a minimum, have them remove their lens the morning of the exam. Visionary Optics will be able to analyze the scan to see if the amount of conjunctival rebound is acceptable for an accurate scleral lens fit.
Make sure to determine if the patient is able drive with glasses or only wearing a contact lens on one eye. Many patients may need a driver if they don’t meet the legal requirements for driving.
By giving patients comprehensive instructions in advance, you ensure the best level of patient care and reduce unnecessary chair time in your practice.
Interested in receiving more information about the sMap3D™? Contact Visionary Optics.
