Many people around the world prefer wearing contact lenses to eyeglasses. Contacts look more natural, do not fog up, and are more convenient. However, there are cases where an individual may not be able to wear traditional contact lenses. In such cases, an eye doctor can recommend wearing specialty contact lenses for vision correction.
Specialty contact lenses are custom-made contacts. They fit the unique size and shape of a person’s eye. They help treat specific eye conditions that regular lenses cannot correct. They comprise different designs, prescriptions, and materials.
Specialty contact lenses comprise different types. Each is unique to help address specific eye conditions. Some of the common types of specialty contact lenses include:
Toric contact lenses – These specialty lenses help correct astigmatism. With this condition, the eye has an irregular shape, causing distorted or blurry vision
Multifocal contact lenses – These specialty contact lenses correct presbyopia. The condition causes the eyes to lose their ability to focus on nearby objects as individuals age
Scleral contact lenses – These specialty lenses provide help for irregular corneas. They help in cases of corneal diseases such as keratoconus
Hybrid contact lenses – These specialty contact lenses combine the benefits of soft and rigid lenses. They provide clear vision for individuals with astigmatism, presbyopia, and other eye conditions. The soft part of the lenses at the edge gives comfort, while the rigid portion at the center helps with clear vision
Specialty contact lenses benefit individuals with specific eye conditions. These lenses are especially for individuals with irregular cornea, like keratoconus. People with special eye conditions cannot wear traditional contact lenses because they won’t fit the shape of their eye.
Special contact lenses are also suitable for individuals who struggle to focus on nearby objects, as in the case of presbyopia.
Eye doctors with specialized training in fitting specialty lenses do the fittings. They take measurements of your eye, which includes the size and shape of your cornea, to determine the ideal lenses to use. Fittings for specialty lenses can take longer than conventional contact lenses. Your doctor will ensure the lens fits properly and gives you clear vision.
As more work and technology go into creating specialty contact lenses, they are more expensive than conventional contact lenses. They are custom-made to fit the unique size and shape of your eyes. They also require more maintenance and care to help users enjoy them for longer.
Some individuals may struggle to adjust to wearing specialty contact lenses. These lenses can take longer to get used to wearing. You may also require frequent checkups with your eye doctor if you wear specialty contact lenses.
Specialty contact lenses have several benefits over conventional contacts or eyeglasses. They help provide clear vision for individuals with specific eye conditions that other forms of vision correction cannot help.
They also give maximum comfort. They allow individuals to wear them for extended periods. Specialty contact lenses can help enhance sports performance. They provide clear vision without the need for goggles or glasses.
Specialty contact lenses require proper maintenance and care to remain free from debris and bacteria and be clean. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for your lenses. They will guide you on cleaning and disinfecting them, the replacement schedule, and the proper way to store the lenses. Follow these instructions to prevent complications such as eye infections.
For more information on specialty contact lenses, contact Dr. Richard E. Hults & Associates at our offices in Canton, Akron, Fairview Park, or Elyria, Ohio. Visit our website to book an appointment.