People wear contact lenses to correct their eye problems and for cosmetic purposes. Contacts are a better alternative to eyeglasses. They are hardly noticeable, less bulky, and help correct vision, like prescription glasses. However, not all contact lenses fit every eye comfortably. 

Specialty contact lenses help correct what convectional contacts cannot.

Candidates for Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are customized for people with unique conditions that affect their eyes. Patients with conditions such as keratoconus experience discomfort wearing conventional contact lenses. 

Specialty contact lenses fit the shape of your corneas. The traditional contacts may not sit on your eye surface if you have a uniquely shaped cornea. 

Candidates for specialty contact lenses vary depending on their needs. They are individuals who may not feel comfortable wearing conventional contacts. For example, you may need them for your dry eye condition. They also fit on a cornea with an abnormal shape. Ideally, visit your eye doctor to understand your eye problem to know the specific specialty contacts you may need. 

Conditions That Require Specialty Contact Lenses

Below are the conditions that show you are an ideal candidate for specialty contact lenses:

• Astigmatism

• High refractive errors

• Post-refractive surgery, such as PRK, LASIK, or RK

• Keratoconus

• Corneal dystrophy

• Dry eye

Scleral Contact Lenses

These lenses differ from conventional contact lenses as they have a larger diameter. They also arch over the eye surface instead of sitting on it. Their shape creates a space between it and the cornea.

Scleral lenses are ideal for patients with dry eye conditions. They help keep tears on the eye surface as a reservoir. They suit individuals who struggle to wear conventional contact lenses. 

People who have corneal irregularities like keratoconus will benefit from scleral lenses. They are comfortable even for individuals who have damaged corneal tissues.

Ortho-k Contact Lenses

Ortho-k contacts are ideal for individuals with various conditions. They correct problems such as astigmatism or presbyopia. They help correct vision and reshape the cornea for better sight.

You can wear ortho-k contact lenses during the night. They help you have clear vision in the daytime without needing prescription contacts or eyeglasses. They are also beneficial for kids with myopia as it slows down its progression.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Individuals with dry eye conditions benefit from this type of contact lens. They comprise a material that lets in oxygen to your cornea. As a result, your eyes remain comfortable during the day as they get enough moisture. 

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are also ideal for individuals who prefer to take a long period to adjust to have the best vision possible. They also suit astigmatism and individuals who have not reached the visual acuity they wanted with other contact lenses.

These specialty contact lenses help patients who experience age-related changes. Rigid gas permeable contacts come in multifocal and bifocal designs. You can also benefit from rigid gas permeable if you have keratoconus or after refractive surgery.

For more on candidacy for specialty contact lenses, call Gregg Family Eye Care at (610) 831-4300 to reach our office in Secane, Pennsylvania.