Contacts for Hard to Fit Eyes: Everything You Need to Know About Specialty Contact Lenses

In the realm of vision correction, not all eyes are created equal. Some of us find ourselves navigating the complex landscape of optical solutions, searching for that perfect fit that doesn’t just correct our vision but also complements our unique eye shape and conditions. This is where specialty contact lenses come into play, offering a beacon of hope for those with ‘hard to fit’ eyes.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are a category of vision correction devices designed to accommodate individuals with eye conditions that make the use of standard contact lenses difficult, if not impossible. Unlike their conventional counterparts, which can cater to a broad audience with common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, specialty contacts are tailored to meet the needs of those with more complex visual requirements.

The hallmark of specialty contact lenses lies in their customizability. They are often crafted to address specific issues such as irregular corneal curvature, dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, and post-surgical eye changes, among others.

Common Eye Conditions that Require Specialty Contact Lenses

Several common eye conditions may require specialty contact lenses to address specific visual needs. These conditions include:
 

• Keratoconus: A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, which can cause irregular astigmatism and visual distortion. Specialty contact lenses, such as scleral lenses or custom soft lenses, are designed to provide a more uniform refractive surface and improve visual acuity for individuals with keratoconus.
• Corneal Scars: Scars on the cornea from injuries, infections, or surgeries can lead to irregular corneal surfaces, resulting in distorted vision. Customized contact lenses, including gas permeable lenses or hybrid lenses, can help mask corneal irregularities and provide clearer vision.
• Post-Surgical Irregular Astigmatism: After certain eye surgeries, such as corneal transplant or refractive surgeries, patients may experience irregular astigmatism. Specialty contact lenses tailored to the specific irregularities can help optimize visual outcomes.
• Severe Dry Eye Syndrome: Individuals with severe dry eye syndrome may benefit from specialty contact lenses designed to retain moisture and provide relief from discomfort associated with dryness.
• Presbyopia: As individuals age, they may develop presbyopia, a natural loss of near vision. Specialty contact lenses, such as multifocal or monovision lenses, can help address presbyopia and provide clear vision at various distances.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

The world of specialty contact lenses is diverse, with each type designed to tackle specific vision problems. Understanding the different kinds available can empower you to find the lens that best fits your unique needs.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses stand out for their ability to allow oxygen to pass through to the eye, maintaining corneal health while providing sharp vision correction. Their rigid nature helps them retain their shape, making them particularly effective for conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea's irregular shape needs a stable lens to provide clear vision.

Hybrid lenses offer the best of both worlds, combining a rigid gas permeable center with a soft lens periphery. This design ensures the clarity of vision provided by RGPs while offering the comfort akin to soft lenses, making them a suitable option for those who require the precision of RGPs but struggle with their comfort level.

Scleral lenses are larger in diameter, resting on the sclera rather than the cornea. This design makes them ideal for individuals with severe keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, or those who have undergone corneal surgery. Their ability to vault over the cornea provides a smooth optical surface that can correct vision while protecting and hydrating the corneal surface.

Schedule Your Consultation with Hometown Eyecare Today

Embrace the possibilities that specialty contact lenses offer. With the right lens, you can enjoy the world in sharper focus, engage in your favorite activities without hindrance, and experience a level of comfort and eye health that elevates your daily life.

Take the first step towards clear vision tailored to your needs with specialty contact lenses. Schedule an eye exam with our optometrist today, visit Hometown Eyecare at our office in Clarksdale, Mississippi, or call (662) 627-2887 to book an appointment today.