Specialty Contact Lenses
Every patient's eyes are unique, and not all vision needs can be addressed with standard contact lenses. Specialty contact lenses provide advanced options for patients with unique eye conditions, corneal irregularities, or specific visual demands that may make traditional contact lenses uncomfortable, ineffective, or difficult to wear.
Understanding Specialty Contact Lenses
Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses created to provide clearer, more comfortable vision for patients with complex prescriptions or unique eye conditions. Unlike standard soft contact lenses, which are made in a limited range of sizes and shapes, specialty lenses are carefully tailored to match the exact curvature and needs of each individual eye.
These lenses are commonly used when traditional contact lenses do not provide optimal vision, comfort, or stability. They can be especially helpful for patients with conditions such as keratoconus, corneal irregularities, significant astigmatism, dry eye disease, or changes to the eye following surgery or injury.
Since every eye is different, the fitting process is highly personalized. Our doctors take detailed measurements and use advanced diagnostic tools to design a lens that provides the best possible combination of visual clarity, comfort, and long-term eye health. The goal is not just better vision, but a lens that fits properly and performs consistently throughout the day.
Custom Contact Lenses for Unique Vision Needs
Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed to provide improved comfort, vision, and eye health for patients who are not successful with conventional lenses. Below are some of the most common types of specialty contact lenses and the conditions they are designed to help manage.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Durable contact lenses that allow oxygen to reach the surface of the eye while providing crisp, stable vision. Their design helps maintain the shape of the cornea, making them an excellent option for patients with astigmatism, mild corneal irregularities, or those seeking sharper vision than traditional soft lenses can provide.
Scleral Lenses
Large-diameter specialty lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea. This design creates a fluid-filled reservoir that helps keep the eyes hydrated while providing exceptional comfort and vision. Scleral lenses are often recommended for patients with dry eye disease, keratoconus, and other corneal irregularities.
Hybrid Lenses
These lenses combine a rigid gas permeable center with a soft outer skirt, offering the visual clarity of an RGP lens and the comfort of a soft lens. They are an excellent option for patients with astigmatism, keratoconus, irregular corneas, or those who want sharper vision without sacrificing comfort.
Who Can Benefit from Specialty Contact Lenses
Who Can Benefit from Contact Lenses
Dry Eye Disease
Traditional contact lenses may become uncomfortable due to inadequate tear production or poor tear quality.
Keratoconus or Irregular Corneas
Patients with corneal irregularities may experience distorted or inconsistent vision with standard lenses. Specialty lenses create a smoother optical surface to improve visual clarity.
History of Eye Surgery or Injury
Changes to the shape of the eye following surgery or trauma may require a custom contact lens design.
Moderate to High Astigmatism
Higher levels of astigmatism may require specialty lens designs to provide stable, consistent vision.
Complex Vision Needs
Custom-designed specialty lenses can address a wide range of unique eye conditions and challenging prescriptions.
Difficulty with Traditional Contact Lenses
Patients who struggle with blurry vision, lens discomfort, dryness, or irritation with traditional contact lenses may benefit from a specialty lens designed specifically for their eyes.
Your specialty contact lens fitting journey
Specialty contact lenses require a more customized fitting process than traditional contact lenses. During your evaluation, our doctors will carefully assess your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and determine the best lens design to provide the clearest vision and greatest comfort possible.
Comprehensive Eye Examination
Your visit begins with a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your vision, overall eye health, and any conditions that may impact contact lens wear, including dry eye disease, keratoconus, corneal irregularities, or previous eye surgery. This evaluation provides the foundation for determining whether specialty contact lenses are appropriate for your visual needs.
Advanced Corneal Measurements
Specialized testing is performed to gather detailed information about the shape and condition of your eyes. Corneal topography and other advanced measurements create a highly detailed map of the cornea, allowing your doctor to identify irregularities, scarring, keratoconus, post-surgical changes, or other factors that may impact lens selection and fitting.
Specialty Lens Selection and Trial Fitting
Based on your results, trial lenses are placed on the eye to evaluate fit, centration, movement, and visual clarity. The doctor closely assesses lens performance and makes any necessary adjustments. First-time wearers also receive trial lenses to assess comfort in real-world conditions.
Lens Ordering and Dispensing
Once the ideal lens design is finalized, your custom lenses will be ordered based on your unique measurements. When your lenses arrive, you will return for a dispensing visit where your doctor will ensure proper fit, provide wearing instructions, and answer any questions.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Care
Specialty contact lens success requires ongoing monitoring. During follow-up visits, your doctor will evaluate lens fit, comfort, vision quality, and eye health while providing guidance on wear schedules, lens care, and replacement. Regular contact lens exams help maintain long-term comfort, safety, and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers about specialty lens fitting, care, and what to expect during your visit.
Unlike standard soft contact lenses, specialty lenses are customized to the unique shape and needs of each eye. This personalized design often provides sharper vision, improved comfort, and better overall performance for patients with challenging prescriptions or eye conditions.
Yes. Although some specialty lenses may feel different at first, most patients adapt quickly. Many individuals who struggle with comfort in traditional contact lenses actually experience improved comfort with a properly fitted specialty lens.
The fitting process is typically more involved than a standard contact lens exam because additional measurements and testing are required. Depending on the complexity of the case, multiple visits may be needed to achieve the best fit and vision.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason specialty contact lenses are being prescribed. Some vision and medical insurance plans may provide benefits for specialty contact lens evaluations, fittings, or lenses when they are considered medically necessary. Our team can review your benefits, explain any coverage that may apply, and help you understand any potential out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with treatment.
Many patients who have difficulty achieving clear vision or comfortable lens wear with traditional contacts may be candidates. A comprehensive specialty lens evaluation is the best way to determine whether specialty contact lenses are right for your eyes and visual needs.
Specialty contact lenses require proper cleaning and storage to maintain their shape and performance. We provide detailed care instructions tailored to your specific lens type, including recommended solutions and handling techniques. Regular maintenance ensures your lenses remain comfortable and effective for years to come.
Find Your Perfect Lens Fit
If glasses or standard contacts have not provided the clarity, comfort, or stability you need, a specialty contact lens evaluation may help us find a better fit.