Since the invention of contact lenses in the late 1800s, they have improved tremendously. Today, people can match their contact lens needs with an array of options readily available. One category that advanced significantly over time is specialty contacts. Read on to learn what they are and who can use them.
What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
Specialty contact lenses are for specific vision problems. Unlike traditional contact lenses, they have a more complex design and must be custom-fit to meet varying vision needs.
Types Of Specialty Contact Lenses
- Multifocal lenses – These specialty contacts correct near and distant vision. Each lens has multiple prescriptions.
- Toric lenses – These lenses correct astigmatism. They are the most common type of specialty contacts. Astigmatism is when your cornea causes blurred or distorted vision because it is not perfectly rounded.
- Scleral lenses – These gas-permeable large lenses rest on the white part of your eye called the sclera. They vault over the cornea. Corneal irregularity can result from severe dry eye, corneal transplants, or keratoconus. Scleral lenses offer stable and clear vision for individuals. They are also custom-fit to fit each person comfortably.
- Hybrid lenses – These are a combination of soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses. They offer clarity from the gas-permeable lenses and the comfort of soft lenses. They are ideal for people with keratoconus and astigmatism.
Who Are Specialty Contact Lenses For?
- People with presbyopia – Focusing on objects at a close range becomes difficult as you grow older. The condition with this symptom is presbyopia. Multifocal lenses are the ideal specialty contacts for individuals with this condition.
- People with irregular corneas – Scleral lenses can help you if you have irregular corneas. They ensure your vision remains clear and stable due to their custom fit.
- People with astigmatism – Specialty contact lenses can benefit people with astigmatism, a condition that distorts and blurs vision. Toric lenses have different meridians in the lens with diverse power to correct the vision problem.
- People with presbyopia and astigmatism – An individual can have both presbyopia and astigmatism. Fortunately, multifocal lenses are ideal for people with such a problem. The lenses correct astigmatism and both near and far vision.
Benefits Of Specialty Contact Lenses
One of the top benefits of specialty contact lenses is vision improvement. They correct various vision impairments like presbyopia, astigmatism, and irregularly shaped corneas. They help people have a stable and clear vision.
Specialty contact lenses are customized to fit everyone, providing stable vision and comfortable wear. For example, scleral lenses are customized to fit the shape of each eye. Most specialty lenses can last for many years due to their durable materials. They are cost-effective for people who need contact lenses that can last long.
Finally, specialty contact lenses can enhance your quality of life. They make it easier to enjoy an active life without difficulty performing various tasks like driving, reading, or working on your computer.
When To Visit Your Eye Doctor For Specialty Contacts
Visit your eye doctor if you want to get specialty contact lenses. They will evaluate your vision and eye health. They will determine if your contact lenses are suitable and help you choose the ideal type for your needs. Your specialist will give you instructions on the proper way to insert the contacts and remove and take care of them.
For more about specialty contacts, visit Sure Vision Centers of Florida at our office in Orlando, Florida. Call (407) 964-8665 to book an appointment today.