When it comes to vision correction, contact lenses have become a popular choice for many people. While standard contact lenses can address a range of common vision issues, specialty contact lenses offer a more tailored approach to meet the unique needs of individuals.

Contact Lenses for Vision Correction

Contact lenses have revolutionized the way we approach vision correction. They offer a convenient and discreet alternative to traditional eyeglasses, providing a wide range of benefits. From improved visual acuity to enhanced cosmetic appearance, contact lenses have become a go-to solution for those seeking a more versatile and customizable vision correction option.

Types of Standard Contact Lenses

Standard contact lenses are the most commonly used type of contact lenses. They are designed to address a variety of common vision problems, including:

Soft Contact Lenses:
 

• Daily Wear: These are designed to be worn during the day and removed at night. They are the most common type and are comfortable for most users.
   

• Extended Wear: These can be worn continuously for up to 6-30 days, including overnight. They are made from breathable materials like silicone hydrogel, which allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea.

Disposable Contact Lenses:
 

• Daily Disposables: These are worn for a single day and discarded after use, offering the convenience of no cleaning or storage.
   

• Weekly/Monthly Disposables: These lenses are designed to be worn for a specific period (e.g., 1 week or 1 month) and then discarded. They require regular cleaning and disinfection.

What are Specialty Contact Lenses?

While standard contact lenses can address a wide range of vision problems, specialty contact lenses are designed to cater to more specific and complex vision needs. These specialized lenses are often prescribed by optometrists to address unique eye conditions or provide enhanced visual performance in specific situations.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses and the Conditions They Address

Specialty contact lenses come in a variety of types, each tailored to address specific vision-related conditions. Some of the most common types of specialty contact lenses and the conditions they address include:
 

• Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses are larger in diameter than standard lenses and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than the cornea. They create a tear-filled vault over the cornea, providing a smooth optical surface and hydration, making them ideal for individuals with irregular corneas or severe dry eye. Theses lenses can address Keratoconus, severe dry eye, irregular corneas, post-surgical corneas, and corneal ectasia.
   

• Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses: GP lenses are rigid and maintain their shape on the eye, providing clear, crisp vision. They are especially useful for correcting high astigmatism and keratoconus, as they can mask irregularities in the cornea. They can correct astigmatism, keratoconus, presbyopia, and irregular corneas.
   

• Hybrid Lenses: Hybrid lenses combine a GP center with a soft lens skirt. This design offers the sharp vision of GP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses, making them suitable for those who find GP lenses uncomfortable but need the vision correction they provide. They can help treat Keratoconus, astigmatism, presbyopia, and other irregular corneal conditions.
   

• Toric Lenses: Toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism, which occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape. These lenses have different powers in different meridians to correct the uneven curvature of the eye for those with astigmatism.
   

• Multifocal Lenses: Multifocal lenses have different zones within the lens that allow for both near and distance vision correction, making them ideal for people with presbyopia who need help seeing both up close and far away. These lenses are ideal for indivulas with presbyopia.

Which is Right for You?

Determining the right type of contact lens for you ultimately depends on your unique vision needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. A comprehensive eye exam and fitting with an optometrist is the best way to determine the most suitable contact lens option for you. The optometrist will assess your vision, eye health, and overall needs, and then recommend the appropriate type of contact lens. They will also guide you through the fitting process, ensuring a comfortable and effective vision correction solution.

Book Your Contact Lens Exam with Clarity Vision Today

Choosing between standard and specialty contact lenses is a decision that should be made with careful consideration of your unique vision needs and personal preferences. By understanding the differences between these two options and consulting with an experienced eye care professional, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve the best possible vision correction and overall eye health.

At Clarity Vision, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect contact lens solution for your vision correction needs. Visit our office in Smithfield, North Carolina, or call ( 919) 737-7200 to schedule a contact lens exam and fitting to take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision today.