Who Is a Candidate for Specialty Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses revolutionized the way individuals with vision impairments see the world, offering an alternative to traditional eyeglasses. However, regular contact lenses do not always fit the unique eye conditions of individuals. Continue reading to find out if you’re a good candidate for specialty contact lenses.

Eye Conditions That Benefit From Specialty Contact Lenses

Certain eye conditions can make wearing standard contact lenses uncomfortable or worse impossible. Here are some of those conditions.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus results in a thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape, severely affecting vision. A scleral optometrist can prescribe contacts designed to vault over the cornea, offering comfort and improved vision by creating a smooth optical surface.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is characterized by an irregularly shaped cornea, leading to blurred vision. While mild astigmatism can be corrected with standard lenses, those with more severe conditions might require toric lenses, which are designed to fit the eye’s unique shape and provide clear vision across all angles.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Conventional contacts can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, making them uncomfortable to wear. Dry eye treatment can include specialty lenses, like scleral contacts. These can retain moisture and offer relief by maintaining a hydrating reservoir over the cornea.

Post-Refractive Surgery

After procedures like LASIK or PRK, some patients may experience changes in their cornea that standard contacts cannot accommodate. Specialty lenses are designed to fit these altered corneal surfaces and provide the necessary vision correction.

Presbyopia

As we age, the lens in our eye loses elasticity, making it hard to focus on close objects — a condition known as presbyopia. Multifocal and bifocal contact lenses offer solutions for those wanting to avoid reading glasses, providing clear vision at all distances.

Unusually Large or Small Eyes

Individuals with eye sizes that deviate from the norm may find it challenging to find a comfortable fit with standard lenses. Custom-fitted specialty lenses ensure a proper fit and optimal vision correction.

The Role of Optometrists in Identifying Candidates

At Lumen Optometric, we perform comprehensive eye exams and assessments of every patient’s lifestyle and preferences. This enables us to recommend the most suitable course of treatment, whether it’s scleral contacts or neurolens treatment.

Take the first step toward a clearer, more comfortable vision. Lumen Optometric is here to help you find the best solutions for your eye care needs. Give us a call today at (626) 921-0199 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.