Are you an experienced contact lens wearer? If not, you may assume that all contact lenses are the same in appearance and function. But if you are considering starting using them, you need to understand that there are many types of contact lenses. This means that there is a variety to suit almost every patient or visual need. This is especially important for people who require specialty contact lenses.

 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

These contacts aim to address vision issues that conventional contact lenses do not. Regular contacts sit on the eye’s surface and cover the cornea. Thus, they need to fit comfortably and correctly. Unfortunately, many people have imperfectly shaped corneas. Consequently, regular or conventional lenses are not suitable for them. 

 

For example, you may suffer from an eye condition such as dry eyes. If so, using conventional contacts can be quite uncomfortable and difficult. Fortunately, several types of contact lenses can make it possible for you to enjoy clearer vision without eyeglasses. 

 

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are often necessary for patients with special requirements for their vision correction. These lenses may be designed or customized for patients with irregular corneas, unusual or high amounts of refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), or dry eyes, just to name a few. 

 

Specialty lenses may be soft, rigid gas permeable, hybrid (a combination of soft and rigid materials), or scleral. Fitting specialty lenses often require a significant amount of time and more expertise. Some of the different types of specialty contact lenses include:

 

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Eye doctors may recommend this type of lens for patients who suffer from dry eyes. This is because the material used to make them allows enough oxygen to reach the cornea. Thus, your eyes will not dry out quickly. 

 

Also, gas permeable contact lenses will keep your eyes comfortable. Furthermore, their rigidity will help your corneas maintain their shape, helping address some corneal abnormalities. 

 

Cosmetic Contact Lenses

You can use these types of contact lenses for a wide range of purposes. These include changing the color of your eyes and hiding certain eye disfigurements and injuries. 

Scleral Lenses

These contact lenses have a larger diameter than a regular contact lens. Scleral lenses do not sit directly on the eye’s surface. Rather, they vault over the eye’s surface, leaving a space between the lens and the cornea. 

 

Scleral lenses are an effective and practical solution for dealing with issues that make using conventional lenses impossible or impractical. They are ideal for people with corneal abnormalities like surgical scarring and keratoconus. They can also act as a reservoir for the tear film. This can help keep the tear film on the surface of the eye for much longer, which can minimize the symptoms of dry eyes.


 

For more on specialty contact lenses, contact Clarity Vision in Clayton, North Carolina at (919) 550-4801 today to schedule an appointment.