What Are Specialty Contacts?

Specialty contacts are lenses custom designed for individuals with unique corneas. They are ideal for conditions where conventional lenses are not suitable. People have different eyes, so the lenses suit each shape. 

Where fitting the lenses to suit the need or shape of the eye is complicated, specialty contact lenses come in handy. These lenses need to fit correctly and comfortably since they sit directly on the surface of the eyes that cover the cornea. What are some of the conditions that call for the use of contact lenses?
 

• Irregular corneas
   

• Dry eyes
   

• Myopia
   

• Keratoconus
   

• Astigmatism

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

Toric Lenses for Astigmatism

A normal cornea should ideally have one curve; otherwise, an individual has astigmatism if the cornea has two or more. Left untreated, this condition will lead to blurry or double vision.

These lenses correct vision by sitting in the correct position on the eye to offer clear vision. Finding the right toric lenses may take some time because of the uniqueness of people's eyes. If you have prescription astigmatism, be prepared to try more than once.

Scleral Lenses

These lenses do not sit on the cornea as other contacts do. They have a large diameter that rests on the sclera or the white part of the eye. The sclera is less sensitive than the cornea. They offer relief to people with dry eyes. The curve of these lenses, allows for the formation of reservoir tears/fluid. These lenses are ideal for people with keratoconus.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

These lenses are, at times, recommended for people with dry eyes. The material they are made of has enough oxygen to pass through them and the cornea. This keeps your eyes more comfortable and prevents them from drying out. Their rigidness helps the cornea maintain its shape and helps with corneal abnormalities.

Orthokeratology Contact Lenses

These lenses help prevent the progression of refractive eye errors such as myopia. Orthokeratology is an innovative approach to the correction of vision where an individual wears them during the night as they sleep. In the morning, they wake up with corrected vision that lasts for a day or even longer.

They are also highly effective in preventing the progression of myopia in children. This feature can prevent severe complications resulting from myopia.

Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Cosmetic lenses, also known as special effect lenses, change the appearance of the eyes. These lenses do not necessarily offer any eye correction.

Multifocal Lenses

These lenses correct the vision of an individual experiencing multiple vision problems, such as myopia and presbyopia. Different areas of the lenses are made to correct the visual issues. For example, an individual can use the upper section of the lenses to see far but use the lower section for close distances.

Conclusion

Using contact lenses without proper fitting and assessment can lead to other eye problems, such as swelling, redness, and blurred vision. It would help if you went to the eye professional for a comprehensive assessment before wearing any lenses. 

For more about specialty contacts, visit Eye Care North in Cave Creek, Arizona. Call 480-781-4446 to book an appointment today.