Understanding Specialty Contact Lenses: Customized Solutions for Complex Vision Needs at Southlake Optometry Group
What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
Understanding Advanced Options for Clear, Comfortable Vision
When most people think of contact lenses, they imagine the soft, disposable lenses commonly used to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. But for some patients, standard contacts just don’t offer the clarity, comfort, or fit they need. That’s where specialty contact lenses come in.
What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
Specialty contact lenses are advanced, customized lenses designed to address more complex vision needs or eye conditions that standard lenses can’t manage. These lenses are often used when a patient has irregular corneas, severe dry eye, high prescriptions, or certain medical conditions affecting the eye’s shape or surface.
Who Might Need Specialty Lenses?
You may benefit from specialty lenses if you have:
- Keratoconus – a condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward
- Post-surgical corneas – after procedures like LASIK or corneal transplants
- Severe dry eye disease or ocular surface disorders
- High astigmatism or extreme nearsightedness/farsightedness
- Corneal scarring or trauma
These lenses are customized to your eye’s shape and needs, offering better comfort and visual clarity where regular lenses fall short.
Types of Specialty Lenses
Some of the most common types include:
- Scleral lenses – Larger lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Great for irregular corneas and dry eyes.
- Gas permeable (GP) lenses – Rigid lenses that provide sharp vision and are often used when soft lenses don’t offer enough clarity.
- Hybrid lenses – Combine a GP center with a soft skirt for sharp vision and improved comfort.
- Custom soft lenses – Tailored soft lenses for high prescriptions, unusual eye shapes, or cosmetic improvement after ocular trauma or abnormalities.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and correct vision during the day, often used for myopia control in children.
What to Expect During a Fitting
Fitting specialty lenses requires more time and precision than standard contacts. Your eye doctor will take detailed measurements of your eye, including corneal shape and tear film quality. Multiple trials and follow-up visits may be needed to ensure the best fit and comfort.
Are They Worth It?
Absolutely. While they may take a bit more time and investment up front, specialty contact lenses can dramatically improve vision and comfort-especially for those who’ve struggled with glasses or standard lenses in the past.
Ready to See Clearly Again?
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for contact lenses or haven’t found the right fit, specialty lenses may be the solution. At our office, we’re passionate about helping patients experience the freedom and clarity that customized lenses can provide.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options.