Specialty Contact Lenses: Options for Hard-to-Fit Eyes

Regular contact lenses work great for most people, but they are not always the best fit for everyone. If standard lenses cause discomfort or do not give you the clearest vision, your eyes may be “hard-to-fit.”

The good news is that there are specialty contact lenses that can solve these problems. These lenses are custom-made for unique eye shapes and conditions, so you can see and feel better.

Why Standard Lenses Do Not Always Work

Every eye is different. Some corneas are steeper, flatter, or just irregular in shape. Certain eye conditions can change the surface of your eyes. The result is that standard lenses become uncomfortable.

Common Conditions Needing Specialty Lenses

The conditions that require specialized lenses to improve comfort and vision include:

• Keratoconus: Here, the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape.

• Post-LASIK/PRK occurs when surgery leaves the cornea with an irregular shape.

• Severe Astigmatism: When an individual has highly oval-shaped corneas that distort vision, they are experiencing severe astigmatism.

• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): Here, an individual experiences inflammation under the eyelids.

• Dry Eye Syndrome: This is the result of insufficient or poor-quality tears, which cause discomfort.

• Corneal Scars or Transplants: This can be the result of an injury or surgery that causes irregular surfaces.

Your Specialized Lens Options Explained

Here are some common specialty lenses that can help with those conditions:

• Scleral Lenses — These larger lenses rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). They cover the cornea completely. They create a fluid reservoir that keeps the cornea hydrated throughout the day. Scleral lenses are perfect for people with conditions like keratoconus, dry eyes, or irregular corneas. Many people find them surprisingly comfortable.

• Hybrid Lenses — These have a rigid center for sharp vision and a soft outer skirt for comfortable wear. They are great for managing moderate keratoconus and post-surgical eyes. These lenses are stable and do not sacrifice comfort.

• Custom Soft Lenses — These are made-to-order lenses that fit your eye’s unique shape. They are custom soft lenses perfect for high prescriptions that standard lenses cannot handle. They also retain moisture, making them ideal for dry eyes. These lenses feel like regular soft contacts but fit perfectly, even for large astigmatism or unusual eye sizes.

• Piggyback Lenses — This involves wearing a soft lens first, with a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lens placed over it. The soft lens acts as a cushion, helping people tolerate the hard lens better. Piggyback lenses are great for sensitive corneas or after eye surgery, such as transplants.

• Prosthetic Lenses — Custom-colored lenses that cover eye injuries, scars, or discoloration. Some prosthetic lenses also help reduce light sensitivity after trauma. They restore both confidence and vision.

Signs You Might Need Specialty Lenses

Are you constantly uncomfortable with standard contact lenses, but you still need lenses to see clearly? It may be time to consider specialty lenses. Blurry vision that does not improve with new prescriptions or lenses that frequently pop out can signal a need for a better fit.

If your eyes stay dry even after using moisturizing drops or if redness and irritation persist, it is worth looking into specialty options. Additionally, if you have trouble wearing lenses after eye surgery, specialty lenses can offer the comfort and clarity you need.

For more on specialty contact lenses, visit Alta Loma Optometric. Our office is in Rancho Cucamonga, California. You can call (909) 787-1760 to book an appointment today.

https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/contact-lenses/fit/contacts-hard-to-fit/

https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/eye-care/specialty-contact-lenses