What Are the Advantages of Specialty Contact Lenses? A Comparison of Types and Benefits

For those who struggle with vision issues that standard contact lenses cannot correct effectively, specialty contact lenses offer advanced solutions tailored to unique eye conditions. Whether you have keratoconus, severe dry eye, or irregular corneas, these lenses provide superior comfort, enhanced vision, and better overall eye health.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contacts and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than the cornea.

Benefits:

•          Provide clear and stable vision, even for those with irregular corneas.

•          Offer a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye, which keeps the cornea hydrated and helps with severe dry eye.

•          Reduce discomfort associated with conditions like keratoconus, post-surgical complications, and corneal scarring.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are smaller than scleral lenses and made of a firm, oxygen-permeable material.

Benefits:

•          Deliver sharper vision than soft lenses, particularly for those with astigmatism or irregular corneas.

•          Allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, promoting eye health.

•          Have a longer lifespan than soft lenses, making them a cost-effective option.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine an RGP center with a soft lens skirt, offering the benefits of both designs.

Benefits:

•          Provide the sharp vision of an RGP lens with the comfort of a soft lens.

•          Reduce the sensation of a rigid lens, making them easier to adapt to.

•          Ideal for individuals with keratoconus or high astigmatism who find RGP lenses uncomfortable.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting vision without the need for daytime lenses or glasses.

Benefits:

•          Provide clear vision throughout the day without the need for corrective eyewear.

•          Slow the progression of myopia in children and teenagers.

•          Offer a non-surgical alternative to LASIK for those who are not ready for permanent vision correction.

Soft Custom Contact Lenses

These lenses are custom-designed to fit unique eye shapes and vision needs, offering a more tailored approach than standard soft lenses.

Benefits:

•          Improve comfort and vision for those with high prescriptions or irregular corneas.

•          Available in a range of materials and moisture-retaining designs for dry eye sufferers.

•          Provide a better fit than conventional soft lenses for individuals with unusual eye shapes.

Which Specialty Contact Lens Is Right for You?

Choosing the right specialty contact lens depends on your eye condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences. A comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting with our optometrist can determine the best option to optimize your vision and comfort.

At InSight EyeCare, we specialize in fitting specialty contact lenses tailored to your unique vision needs. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (713) 462-2010 to schedule an eye exam, and find the solution that enhances both your vision and eye health.