Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

Do you have an eyesight problem? Are you trying to choose the best contact lenses for your specific vision problem? If so, the first thing you need to do is educate yourself about the pros and cons of each type of contact lens.

Nowadays, contact lenses are more versatile than most people realize. Since the 70s, contact lenses have presented a convenient alternative to eyeglasses. This revolution follows the introduction of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. These types of lenses allow oxygen through them to reach the eye.

Are All Contact Lenses the Same?

Unless you have been wearing contact lenses for a long time, you may assume that all of them are the same. This is an understandable assumption since most of them are similar in design and shape. But nowadays, there is a type of contact lens designed to suit almost every need or patient. This is important for people who need specialty contact lenses.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

These are contact lenses designed for people with corneal conditions or other eye conditions that make regular contact lenses unsuitable. Conventional contact lenses sit on the eye’s surface and cover the cornea. They should fit comfortably and properly for most eyes.

However, some people do not have a perfectly shaped cornea. This makes conventional contact lenses unsuitable for them. Others have certain eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, which can make wearing conventional contacts very uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there are several types of specialty contact lenses that can overcome these issues. They make it possible for such individuals to enjoy clear vision without having to use eyeglasses.

How to Determine the Right Specialty Contact Lenses for You

Before getting or switching contacts you will need a contact lens fitting, and you need to go to the right place to do so. To determine the right specialty lenses for you, the first thing you need to do is consult your eye doctor. He or she will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes and educate you about the variety of specialty contact lens options that best fit your lifestyle and vision needs.

As stated above, picking the right specialty contact lenses for your needs is a decision you need to make with your eye doctor. The right choice will depend on several important factors. These include how much your eyes can tolerate contact lenses, your refractive error, your ability to care for your contact lenses, and your expectations.

The most common types of specialty contact lenses include:

Scleral contact lenses for people with keratoconus
Toric contact lenses for people with astigmatism
Limbal fit contact lenses that offer minimal interference with your eyelids
Orthokeratology contact lenses for people with refractive errors such as nearsightedness
Extended wear contact lenses that you can wear while you sleep
Disposable contact lenses that you throw away at the end of the day

Bottom Line

After doing some research on the specialty contact lenses listed above, consult your eye doctor. He or she is the best person to help you determine the right specialty contact lenses for your specific condition.

To learn how to choose the right specialty contact lenses, contact Battle Born Eye Care at our office in Reno, Nevada. You can call or text (775) 360-6446 today to schedule an appointment.