Specialty vs. Standard Contact Lenses

Specialty vs. Standard Contact Lenses

Do you want to explore the different contact lenses out there? Is there a better option for your eyes than the regular contacts you are using? If so, you should learn more about specialty contact lenses.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Some people have eye conditions or problems that make it hard or painful to wear regular contact lenses. Their corneas may be uneven or scarred. This can affect their vision and comfort. Specialty contact lenses are ideal for these people. These fit their eyes better and are smoother than regular contacts. These help them see more clearly and feel more comfortable. These also make their eyes look normal and healthy.
 

There are different types of specialty lenses, such as:
 

Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses

These lenses are not soft and bendy like regular contacts. They let your eyes breathe better and stay cleaner. They can fix your vision if your eyes have an irregular shape or trouble focusing. They can also fit your eyes perfectly, even if your corneas are too curved or pointy. This can happen if you have keratoconus, a rare eye problem.
 

Scleral Lenses

These have a larger diameter than regular lenses and do not touch your corneas. They sit on the white part of your eyes and leave a gap filled with liquid. This keeps your eyes moist and comfortable. They are ideal for people with dry eyes, eye diseases, or irregular corneas.
 

Hybrid Lenses

These are a mix of hard and soft lenses. They have a hard center and a soft edge. They give you the best of both worlds: clear, steady vision with comfortable and easy wear. Hybrid lenses can help you see better if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.
 

Prosthetic Lenses

These are custom-made soft, or GP, lenses designed to match the appearance of a normal eye. They can mask eye injuries, scars, congenital disabilities, or diseases that affect the color or shape of the eye. Prosthetic lenses can also improve vision by blocking excess light or glare.
 

How Do Specialty Contact Lenses Compare to Standard Contact Lenses?

Specialty lenses have some advantages over standard contact lenses, such as:
 

• They can provide better vision quality and comfort for patients with complex eye conditions.
• They can last longer and require fewer frequent replacements than soft lenses.
• They can reduce the risk of complications such as infections, allergies, or inflammation.

However, specialty contact lenses also have some drawbacks, such as:
 

• They can be more expensive and harder to find than regular contact lenses.
• They may require more care and maintenance than soft lenses.
• They can have a steeper learning curve and take longer to adapt to than soft lenses.

Are You a Good Candidate for Specialty Contact Lenses?

Are regular contact lenses a pain for your eyes? Do they make your eyes dry, itchy, or sore? Do you have a corneal condition that affects your eyes’ shape or look? Do you have an eye injury or disease that changes your eyes’ function or appearance? Do you have astigmatism that regular contact lenses cannot correct? If so, you may need specialty lenses.
 

Conclusion

The best way to find out if you need specialty contact lenses is to consult an eye care professional specializing in fitting them. They can evaluate your eye health and vision needs and recommend the most suitable lens type.
 

For more on contact lenses, visit Claremore Eye Associates at our office in Claremore, Oklahoma. Call (918) 233-3319 to schedule an appointment today.