Who Needs Specialty Contact Lenses?

Who Needs Specialty Contact Lenses?

When it comes to contact lenses, many people are familiar with the standard soft lenses used to correct common vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness. However, for individuals with more complex eye conditions or specific needs, specialty contact lenses can provide a comfortable and effective solution.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are designed to address vision problems that can't be easily corrected with standard lenses. These lenses are often custom-made to fit the unique shape and condition of the wearer’s eye, providing enhanced comfort and improved visual clarity.

Some common types of specialty contact lenses include:

•          Scleral lenses: Large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, offering improved comfort and vision for people with corneal irregularities.

•          Gas permeable (GP) lenses: Hard lenses that allow oxygen to pass through, providing sharper vision and more durability compared to soft lenses.

•          Toric lenses: Designed for individuals with astigmatism, offering stable vision correction by compensating for the irregular curvature of the cornea.

•          Hybrid lenses: Combine the comfort of soft lenses with the visual clarity of gas permeable lenses, ideal for those who have struggled with the comfort of rigid lenses.

Individuals with Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea thins and takes on a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision. Traditional soft lenses often cannot provide the stability or clarity needed for people with keratoconus. Specialty lenses like scleral lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses are excellent options, as they create a smooth optical surface and can correct the irregular shape of the cornea.

Patients with Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular curve, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Toric lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism, offering the precision and stability needed to ensure clear vision.

People with Dry Eye Syndrome

For individuals with chronic dry eye syndrome, traditional contact lenses can exacerbate discomfort. Scleral lenses are beneficial because they create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface, keeping the eye hydrated and providing relief from dryness.

Post-Surgical Patients

After eye surgeries like LASIK, cataract removal, or corneal transplants, some patients may experience irregular corneas or other vision complications. Specialty lenses can help restore clear vision by addressing post-surgical changes to the eye structure.

High Prescriptions or Irregular Corneas

People with very high prescriptions or irregular corneas due to conditions like pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal scarring, or trauma may find that standard lenses don't provide optimal vision correction. Gas permeable or scleral lenses often offer the sharp vision and comfort they need.

Athletes and Active Individuals

Specialty contact lenses, such as those made with hybrid materials, offer durability, stability, and comfort that make them ideal for athletes and people who lead an active lifestyle. These lenses are less likely to shift or fall out during physical activities compared to traditional soft lenses.

Schedule Your Consultation with Eyes of San Antonio Today

Whether you have a specific eye condition like keratoconus or astigmatism, or you’re simply seeking more comfort and clarity in your vision correction, specialty contact lenses may offer the perfect solution. Speak with your optometrist about the options available and how they can be tailored to meet your unique vision needs.

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of specialty contact lenses, schedule a consultation with Eyes of San Antonio. We can assess your unique needs and find the perfect solution to enhance your vision and improve your overall eye health. Visit our office in San Antonio, Texas, or call (210) 366-1021 to book an appointment today.