Which Specialty Contact Lens Is Right for You?

Specialty contact lenses come in a wide variety of materials and duration of wear. They help treat conditions where conventional contacts are not suitable. They are more comfortable and help fix the refractive error present in these conditions.


Some specialty contact lenses serve several conditions. But whatever the case, you need to visit your eye doctor for a diagnosis.




What Determines Choice of Specialty Contact Lenses?



Your choice of specialty contact lens will mainly depend on a few factors. These include:
 

  • The type of condition affecting your eyes.
     

  • Dry eyes or allergies in addition to your condition.
     

  • Preference and comfort.
     

  • Budget.




Types of Specialty Contact Lenses



Specialty contact lenses can be of soft or hard material. They include:

 

  • Soft Lenses


They were the first specialty contact lenses during their introduction into the contact lens market. Their soft design makes them feel less intrusive and more comfortable on the eyes. They fit better on the eyes than the rigid gas permeable lenses. However, they can absorb dust, chemicals, smoke, and bacteria. It makes them unsuitable especially for people with dry eyes.

 

  • Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses


These are preferable if you have dry eyes or allergies. They allow oxygen to the cornea, permitting their wear for extended periods. They also create a tear film between the bottom of the contact and the cornea, helping hydrate the eyes.


They provide a clear and crisp vision for people with eye problems. If you take care of them well, they can last you for up to two or three years.

 

  • Hybrid Lenses


These have a gas permeable center with a soft lens outer ring. They can correct different conditions. These include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, keratoconus, and age-related loss of close vision.


They are more comfortable than traditional gas permeable lenses. This is because of their soft outer ring. However, they are more expensive and harder to fit than soft lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses.

 

  • Scleral Lenses


These are larger rigid gas permeable lenses. They extend to the white outer part of the eye, known as the sclera, hence their name. They help those with an irregular or distorted cornea, surgical scarring, or keratoconus. They form a kind of basin between the bottom of the contact and the cornea for the tear film. It helps keep the lens on the eyes for longer and improves the symptoms of dry eyes.

 

  • Multifocal Lenses


Multifocal lenses correct myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia at the same time. They are available in rigid gas permeable lenses and soft lens forms. The duration of wear also varies and depends on your preference.

 

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) Lenses


These are special, rigid gas permeable lenses worn at night. They are mainly for correcting myopic issues, although they can serve other conditions also. They flatten the cornea as you sleep to help correct the refraction error. They allow you to see without the use of prescription glasses or contact lenses.




For more information on specialty contact lenses, visit Coers Family Eyecare, PC at our office in Columbus, Indiana. You can call (812) 408-8400 today to schedule an appointment.

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