What Are Specialty Contact Lenses and Who Are They For?

If you’ve struggled with blurry vision, discomfort, or have been told you’re not a good candidate for contact lenses, specialty contact lenses may offer a solution. These advanced lenses are custom-designed to meet the specific needs of your eyes, providing improved clarity and comfort for patients with more complex vision challenges.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses created to fit the unique shape and condition of an individual’s eyes. Unlike standard contacts, which come in limited parameters, specialty lenses are tailored for patients with irregular corneas, high prescriptions, or specific medical eye conditions. These lenses often require advanced measurements, specialized fitting techniques, and follow-up care to ensure optimal vision and comfort.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger-diameter lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than the cornea. They vault over the cornea and hold a reservoir of fluid, which can significantly improve comfort and vision.

They are commonly used for:

• Keratoconus

• Irregular corneas

• Severe dry eye

• Corneal scarring

Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses

GP lenses are smaller, firm lenses that allow oxygen to pass through to the eye. They often provide sharper vision than soft lenses, especially for patients with astigmatism or corneal irregularities.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring. This design offers the visual clarity of a GP lens with the comfort of a soft lens.

Who Are Specialty Contact Lenses For?

Specialty contact lenses may be recommended for patients who:

• Have keratoconus or irregular corneas

• Experience discomfort with standard soft contact lenses

• Have severe dry eye symptoms

• Have high astigmatism or complex prescriptions

• Have had eye surgery or corneal injury

• Want clearer, more stable vision than traditional lenses provide

If you’ve been told in the past that you are not a good candidate for contacts, specialty lenses may offer new options.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Specialty contact lenses can be life-changing for patients who struggle with traditional contacts or have complex vision needs. With custom designs and advanced fitting techniques, these lenses offer improved comfort, clearer vision, and new possibilities for people who thought contact lenses weren’t an option for them.

Schedule a specialty contact lens consultation at My Family Eye Care to find out if custom contact lenses are right for you. Visit our office in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, or call (918) 422-5811 to book an appointment today.