Exploring Different Types of Specialty Contact Lenses: Which One Is Right for You?

Regular contact lenses work perfectly for many people. But some eyes need something different. Here’s where specialty contact lenses come in, as they solve tricky vision problems. These contact lenses come in to help when standard lenses do not fit or when they fail to work well.

Why Consider Specialty Lenses?

Standard lenses sit directly on the surface of your cornea, which is uncomfortable. Other eyes have an unusual shape, making it impractical to fit standard lenses.

Common Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses — These firm plastic lenses hold their shape firmly. They offer extremely sharp, clear vision correction. RGPs correct astigmatism and irregular corneas very well. They also tend to last longer than soft lenses.

• Scleral Lenses — These larger, rigid lenses vault over the entire cornea. They rest gently on the white sclera. A fluid reservoir sits between the lens and eye, making them ideal for severe dry eye or keratoconus.

• Hybrid Lenses — These cleverly mix RGP and soft lens materials. A rigid center provides crisp, clear central vision while the soft outer skirt adds comfort. They help stabilize vision with irregular corneas effectively. They often feel better than full RGPs for sensitive eyes.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses — You wear these special rigid lenses overnight as they gently reshape your cornea. Remove them in the morning for clear vision all day, offering you freedom from glasses or daytime contacts. They mainly manage nearsightedness (myopia) and are great for active lifestyles.

• Custom Soft Lenses — These soft lenses are custom-made to fit unusual eye shapes or very high prescriptions. Some are suitable for extreme dry eye, as they use advanced materials that effectively trap moisture. These are much more comfortable than standard soft lenses in tough cases.

How They Help Specific Problems

For keratoconus or corneal scarring, scleral lenses or RGPs are often best. They create a smooth new surface for light entering the eye. This results in significantly sharper and more stable vision. Hybrid lenses also offer a suitable solution for many individuals.

If you suffer from severe dry eyes, scleral lenses offer protection. Their fluid reservoir keeps the eye surface constantly hydrated. Special custom soft lenses also lock in moisture exceptionally well. Both types prevent lenses from drying out quickly, improving comfort.

For high astigmatism or presbyopia (over 40 vision), RGPs offer precision. Custom soft Toric lenses are another excellent option available. Multifocal RGPs or custom soft multifocal lenses address presbyopia. Ortho-K can also help manage these conditions.

Caring for Your Lenses

Always follow your doctor’s cleaning instructions precisely. Use only the solutions they specifically recommend, and never sleep in lenses unless designed for overnight wear. Replace your lenses exactly on their schedule, and keep all your follow-up appointments without fail.

Is a Specialty Lens Right for You?

Talk to your eye doctor if you experience:

• Pain and dryness as a result of wearing contacts.

• Blurry vision even when you are wearing standard lenses.

• A diagnosis like keratoconus or corneal scars.

• A very high or complex vision prescription.

• A desire for freedom from daytime lenses (Ortho-K).

They will examine your eyes thoroughly and discuss your lifestyle. Together, you can find the best possible solution. Clear, comfortable vision is achievable.

For more on specialty contact lenses, visit Radiant Family Eyecare. Our office is in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Call (402) 885-7695 to book an appointment today.

https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/eye-care-ophthalmology/conditions-and-services/contact-lenses/specialty-lens-types

https://www.polyu.edu.hk/so/optometry-clinic/specialty-clinics/specialty-contact-lens/?sc_lang=en