What are Specialty Contact Lenses?

In the world of optometry, specialty contact lenses have emerged as a game-changer, providing an array of options for those who may have difficulty wearing traditional lenses. They're designed to cater to a variety of unique visual needs and eye conditions, providing comfort and clarity where standard lenses may fall short.

If you've ever wondered, "What are they?" or "How they can benefit you?" you're not alone. Many people are unaware of the existence of these lenses, let alone understand their advantages.

Understanding Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are not your average lenses. They are a unique, often custom-made solution for a variety of complex eye conditions. They are designed to provide superior comfort and improved vision quality for those who cannot achieve these with standard contact lenses.

Many people who have been told they cannot wear contacts due to irregular corneas or other eye conditions now have hope with these lenses. The advanced technology and customized approach of specialty lenses offer a new avenue for clear, comfortable vision. They cater to a wide range of conditions, from keratoconus and astigmatism to presbyopia and post-surgical corneas.

Specialty lenses come in various types, each designed to address specific eye conditions. They can be soft or hard, depending on the eye condition they are designed to correct. They can also be made from different materials, offering various levels of breathability and comfort.

The Different Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

There are several different types of specialty contact lenses, each designed to address a specific condition. Some of the most common ones include scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, and toric lenses.

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable lenses that vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. They are ideal for individuals with irregular corneas, dry eyes, and hard-to-fit eyes.

Hybrid lenses, on the other hand, combine the best of both worlds. They have a rigid, gas-permeable center for clear vision and a soft lens skirt for comfort. They're often used for conditions like keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, and high astigmatism.

Toric lenses are designed for those with astigmatism. They have different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct the irregular shape of the cornea. They come in both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) varieties.

Who Can Benefit from Specialty Contact Lenses?

The beauty of specialty contact lenses is that they can benefit a wide range of individuals. They are particularly beneficial for those with unique eye conditions that make wearing traditional lenses uncomfortable or ineffective.

For instance, individuals with keratoconus, a condition that causes a conical bulge on the cornea, can greatly benefit from these lenses. The same goes for those with high astigmatism, presbyopia, or those who have undergone eye surgeries that have altered the shape of their corneas.

Specialty lenses can also benefit those with severe dry eyes. The lenses create a tear-filled vault over the cornea, providing lubrication and reducing discomfort associated with dryness.

How to Choose the Right Specialty Contact Lenses

Choosing the right specialty contact lenses is a critical step in ensuring optimal vision and comfort. This decision should be made in consultation with an eye doctor who understands your specific needs and conditions.

Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye examination, including a detailed assessment of your cornea using corneal topography. This will help determine the type of lens that is best suited for your eyes. They will also assess your lifestyle, occupation, and personal preferences to recommend the most suitable lens type.

The right specialty lens for you is the one that fits your eye perfectly, corrects your vision effectively, and provides optimal comfort throughout the day.

Are Specialty Contact Lenses Right for You?

Specialty contact lenses are a remarkable innovation in the field of optometry, providing hope and a solution for individuals who cannot wear traditional lenses. They are custom-made, designed to cater to unique eye conditions, and offer superior comfort and clarity.

If you've been struggling with standard contact lenses or have been told you can't wear them due to a certain condition, don't lose hope. Specialty contact lenses might just be the solution you've been looking for. The journey to clear, comfortable vision begins with understanding what they are and how they can benefit you. And this journey is best navigated with the guidance of a trusted eye doctor.

For more information on specialty contact lenses, visit 20/20 Optometric of Fresno at our office in Fresno, California. Please call (559) 221-8900 to schedule an appointment today.