specialty contact lenses

What are specialty contact lenses?

Specialty contacts are lenses that are designed for patients who have corneal conditions or other eye issues for which conventional contacts aren’t suitable.

Since regular contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eyes covering the cornea, it is imperative that they fit correctly and comfortably. Unfortunately, since not everyone has a perfectly-shaped cornea, regular contacts won’t fit everyone. Some people also suffer from eye conditions, such as dry eye, which can make wearing conventional contact lenses difficult.

Fortunately, there are various types of specialty contact lenses that can combat these issues and make it possible for these patients to enjoy clear vision without glasses.

Hard-to-fit vision conditions that may qualify for specialty contacts

  • Dry Eyes

  • Irregular or Severe Astigmatism

  • Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

  • Keratoconus

  • Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

  • Post-LASIK or other refractive surgery

  • Presbyopia (reduced near vision common in individuals aged 40 and over)

  • Corneal Scarring

Types of Specialty Contacts

The types of contact lenses used for hard-to-fit patients include custom soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable hard contact lenses, hybrid contact lenses (gas permeable lens with a soft skirt/outer ring) and scleral contact lenses. Your doctor at Focal Point Optometry can help decide when lenses are best for your eyes.

  • Custom soft contact lenses can provide extended parameters and power in addition to good comfort. However, it may not be suitable for patients with irregular corneas.

  • Rigid gas permeable contact lenses provide good clear optics but patients may have difficulty adjusting to the comfort.

  • Hybrid contact lenses provide good optics and comfort but require special handling of the lenses to prevent breakage. These lenses consist of a rigid gas permeable center, with a soft contact skirt to improve comfort.

  • Scleral lenses provide good optics and good comfort but will require special handling of the lenses.