Specialty Contact Lenses

Every patient is different and so are their eyes. This means that there need to be different types of contact lenses to suit each individual. Some patients have corneal abnormalities which mean that conventional lenses won’t sit comfortably on the surface of their eyes, while others suffer from eye conditions that mean normal contact lenses won’t be comfortable or could irritate their eyes. 

As you may have guessed from the name, specialty contact lenses are unconventional contacts that are designed for patients that regular contacts might not be suitable. Here are some of the main types of speciality contact lenses and who they are recommended for. 
 

Who might be a good patient for specialty contact lenses?

Some of the patients that might benefit from specialty contact lenses include those who:

• have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome

• have corneal scarring

• have been diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition characterized by the bulging of the cornea

• suffer from strabismus, a condition where the patient has an eye that turns in or out relative to the other

• have suffered an injury to the eye

• suffer from a peripheral corneal thinning disorder

• are intolerant to other types of lenses

Your eye doctor or contact lens provider will be able to tell you if you need specialty contact lenses and if so, which lenses would be best based on your individual requirements. 
 

When conventional soft contact lenses don’t work for a patient’s needs, there are custom contact lenses in a range of materials, shapes, and sizes that can provide better vision and comfort. Call our office to schedule a specialty contact lens consultation with our contact lens specialist Dr. Charissa Young, OD, FAAO, FSLS.

Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses

Also known as RGP lenses, these are made from a special material that allows oxygen to pass through them and reach the surface of the eyes. RGP lenses are more rigid than soft lenses, and this helps to keep them stable and secure on the eyes so that patients can enjoy sharper vision. RGP lenses are a great choice for patients with high prescriptions or astigmatism, and mild forms of keratoconus and corneal scars.
 

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are a special type of rigid gas-permeable lens that is larger in diameter than both standard soft and RGP lenses. They are customized in size ranging from 14-18mm depending on the patient’s needs. The edges of the lens fall on the white part of the eye, called the sclera (rather than the cornea like an RGP), to improve comfort and stability of the lens. Because scleral lenses are fit to vault over the cornea, the lens is filled with preservative-free saline during lens insertion. This makes scleral lenses a good choice for patients with dry eyes, high prescriptions or astigmatism, and corneal abnormalities such as keratoconus, corneal scars, and corneal transplants.
 

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses are a combination of both soft and gas-permeable contact lenses. The central part of hybrid lenses is made from a rigid material to enhance clarity. The outer edge is a soft lens skirt for a comfortable fit. Similar to scleral lenses, hybrid lenses are a good choice for patients with dry eyes, high prescriptions or astigmatism, and corneal abnormalities such as keratoconus, corneal scars, and corneal transplants.

For more information about specialty contact lenses, call our dedicated eye care team to schedule a specialty lens consultation with Dr. Charissa Young, OD, FAAO, FSLS.