February 08, 2022

Who Is a Candidate for Specialty Contact Lenses?

If you are new to wearing contact lenses, you may not be familiar with the different types of contact lenses that exist. Contact lenses may be similar in design and shape, but they are not the same.

People who cannot use regular contact lenses may find specialty contact lenses more fitting. If your standard contact lenses are not giving you the comfort and vision correction you seek, specialty contact lenses may work for you.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are tailor-made for the unique shape of each separate cornea. The lenses are specially designed for people with eye problems that standard contact lenses cannot correct.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

There are various types of specialty contact lenses. They include:

• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
• Ortho-k lenses.
• Scleral lenses.
• Toric lenses.

These specialty contact lenses help correct several vision problems such as the following: keratoconus, astigmatism, severe dry eyes, nearsightedness, farsightedness, corneal damage, and discomfort with regular contacts, among others.

Candidates for Specialty Contact Lenses

Are you a good candidate for specialty contact lenses? Candidates for specialty contact lenses include people who:

• Are not suitable for regular contact lenses.
• Have irregular corneas.
• Have scarring in their cornea.
• Have severe dry eye disease.
• Have eye conditions such as the ones mentioned earlier.

The type of specialty contact lenses you need will depend on your needs. Here is a look at the best candidates for each type of specialty contact lens.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are designed with material that allows oxygen to flow to the cornea. This helps the eyes get sufficient moisture and remain comfortable during the day. RGP lenses are suitable for people with dry eye syndrome.

Ortho-k Lenses

Ortho-k lenses are special gas-permeable contacts designed to restructure the cornea while you sleep at night. This allows you to see better during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k lenses help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses have wider lenses than regular contact lenses. Rather than sit squarely on the surface of the cornea, scleral lenses arch over the cornea. The lenses rest on the sclera (white outer part of the eyeball) without touching the cornea. 

The space between the scleral lens and the cornea is filled with a germ-free saline solution that keeps your eyes moisturized and corrects any corneal issues. Scleral lenses help treat keratoconus, eye injuries from trauma or chemical burns, and complications from eye surgery. Scleral lenses also help ease symptoms of chronic dry eyes.

Toric Lenses

Toric lenses are specialty contact lenses that correct farsightedness or nearsightedness associated with astigmatism. Toric lenses are available in both gas-permeable and soft lens materials for comfort, improving how well people with astigmatism see distances without needing eyeglasses.

If you think you may benefit from specialty contact lenses, go to your eye doctor. He or she will identify the specific eye problem you have and give you the best solution.

For more on candidates for specialty contact lenses, visit Eye Associates of New York at our office in New York, New York. You can call (212) 650-4888 today to schedule an appointment.