Specialty Contacts 101: A Solution for Hard to Fit Eyes

Are you struggling to find a comfortable and effective contact lens solution for your unique eye condition? If so, you're not alone. Many people have complex visual needs that require specialized contact lenses. Fortunately, there are a variety of specialty contact lens options available that can help you see clearly and comfortably.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are a category of contact lenses designed to address specific eye conditions or visual needs that cannot be adequately corrected with standard, mass-produced contact lenses. These lenses are custom-made to fit the unique shape and characteristics of your eyes, providing a more personalized solution compared to one-size-fits-all contact lenses. By tailoring the contact lens to your individual needs, specialty contacts can help you achieve clearer, more comfortable vision and address a wide range of eye-related issues.
 

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses come in a variety of types, each designed to address specific eye conditions or visual needs.
 

Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter lenses rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than the cornea, creating a liquid-filled space between the lens and the eye. Scleral lenses are often used to address:
 

·        Irregular corneas (e.g., keratoconus, post-refractive surgery)

·        Dry eye syndrome

·        Corneal irregularities or scarring
 

Multifocal and Bifocal Contacts: These lenses incorporate different prescriptions within the same lens to address both near and distance vision, making them a suitable option for individuals with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
 

Toric Lenses: Designed to correct astigmatism, toric lenses have a unique, asymmetrical shape that helps to counteract the irregular curvature of the cornea.
 

Hybrid Lenses: These lenses combine the benefits of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses, providing the clarity of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses. Hybrid lenses can be helpful for:
 

·        Irregular corneas

·        Dry eye syndrome

·        Astigmatism
 

By understanding the different types of specialty contact lenses and the eye conditions they can address, you can work with your eye care professional to determine the best solution for your unique visual needs.
 

The Benefits of Wearing Specialty Contact Lenses

Choosing specialty contact lenses can offer a range of benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. Some of the key advantages of wearing specialty contacts include:
 

•        Improved Vision Quality: Specialty contact lenses are designed to provide superior visual acuity and clarity, even in cases where standard contacts fail to deliver satisfactory results.
 

•        Enhanced Comfort: The customized fit and specialized materials used in specialty contacts can help alleviate discomfort, irritation, and dryness that may be experienced with regular contact lenses.
 

•        Addressing Complex Eye Conditions: Specialty lenses are specifically tailored to address a wide range of eye conditions, from irregular corneas to severe dry eye, that cannot be effectively managed with conventional contact lenses.
 

•        Increased Functionality: Certain specialty contacts, such as ortho-k lenses, can temporarily reshape the cornea to reduce the need for corrective lenses during the day, making them a convenient option for active lifestyles.
 

By leveraging the benefits of specialty contact lenses, you can enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision and address your unique eye health needs, ultimately improving your overall quality of life.
 

Getting Fitted for Specialty Contact Lenses

Obtaining the right specialty contact lenses for your eyes requires a comprehensive eye examination and fitting process. Your optometrist will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes, including measurements of the cornea, tear film, and overall eye health. This information is crucial in determining the most suitable specialty contact lens option for your needs.
 

Based on the findings from your eye exam, your eye doctor will select the appropriate specialty contact lens design and materials. They will then carefully fit the lenses to your eyes, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and stable fit.
 

You'll be given an opportunity to wear the specialty contact lenses for an extended period, during which your doctor will monitor your vision, comfort, and the overall fit of the lenses. Adjustments may be made during this trial period to optimize the fit and performance.
 

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the continued success of your specialty contact lens wear. Your optometrist will assess the health of your eyes and make any necessary modifications to your lenses or wearing schedule.
 

Are Specialty Contact Lenses Right for You?

Specialty contact lenses offer a tailored solution for individuals with complex visual needs or hard-to-fit eyes. By understanding the different types of specialty contacts and the eye conditions they can address, you can work with your optometrist to find the best option to improve your vision, comfort, and overall quality of life.
 

If you're struggling with hard-to-fit eyes or are interested in exploring specialty contact lens options, Prescott Valley Eye Care is here to help. We can provide a comprehensive eye exam, fit you with the most suitable specialty contact lenses, and guide you through the wearing and care process. Visit our office in Prescott Valley, Arizona, or call (928) 218-2020 to book an appointment today.