Who We Recommend Specialty Contacts To
You might benefit from a pair of specialty contact lenses if you:
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Have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome
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Have corneal scarring
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Have been diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition characterized by the bulging of the cornea
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Suffer from strabismus, a condition where the patient has an eye that turns in or out relative to the other
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Have suffered an injury to the eye
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Suffer from a peripheral corneal thinning disorder
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Are intolerant to other types of lenses
Your eye doctor or contact lens provider can tell you if you need specialty contact lenses and, if so, which lenses best suit your individual requirements.
Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are made from a special material that allows oxygen to pass through them and reach the surface of the eyes, keeping them hydrated and comfortable. This makes these lenses best for patients who suffer from dry eyes – a symptom and condition characterized by blurred vision, eye fatigue, and dry, stiff, and uncomfortable eyes. The more rigid structure of RGP lenses also increases their stability and maintains the cornea’s shape, minimizing the effects of corneal abnormalities.
Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses have a much larger diameter than standard contact lenses, reaching over the eye’s cornea and onto the white part of the eye called the sclera. Scleral contact lenses also hover over the surface of the eye as opposed to touching it, leaving a space that both keeps the eyes hydrated by trapping tear film and account for corneal abnormalities such as the bulge associated with keratoconus.
Limbal Fit Contact Lenses
Limbal contact lenses have a slightly larger diameter compared to standard contact lenses, increasing their stability on the surface of your eyes while interfering minimally with your eyelids, which ensures the comfort and clarity of your vision.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses give patients the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of both soft and gas-permeable contact lenses. The center of the lenses consists of the rigid gas-permeable (RGP) material, affording better stability, clarity, and eye hydration, while the outer edges mimic a soft lens skirt, allowing patients to avoid any discomfort associated with the hard edges of typical RGP lenses.
For more information about specialty contact lenses, please feel free to reach out to our eye care team!
