Specialty Contact Lenses: what they are, how they help, and how to select the perfect fit

The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes contact lenses as thin, transparent discs that float on your tear film. The purpose of these lenses is to cover your cornea and improve refractive issues. Specialty contact lenses correct corneal abnormalities. Understanding these lenses and how to select the right fit can help you maximize their use. Here are some additional details on types of contact lenses, and how to find the right fit for you.

Scleral Lenses

These lenses have larger diameters than ordinary contacts. The eye doctor will provide one of the three main sizes available. Your specific size will allow the edges of the scleral lenses to fall on your sclera rather than your cornea. This leaves a space between the back and front of the lenses.

Scleral lenses are ideal for patients with corneal deformities and dry eyes. The vacant space in the lenses can trap your tear film and hydrate your eyes. In addition to adding comfort by fitting over corneas with irregular shapes.

Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses

An eye doctor may recommend these lenses for corneal abnormalities as well. The material of these contacts allows oxygen to pass and reach the ocular surfaces. It also provides more comfort and hydration. That is why gas-permeable lenses are easier to wear, even for patients with dry eyes.

The rigidity of these contacts can help secure and stabilize them on your eyes. This ensures sharper eyesight. These lenses also help maintain the cornea’s shape, helping reduce the effects of some corneal irregularities.

Hybrid Lenses

These contacts combine the properties of gas-permeable and soft contact lenses. The middle part of these lenses is firm, which allows the patient to see clearer with more stability. This area can trap tear film that hydrates the eyes. The skirt of a hybrid contact lens is soft, allowing the patient to experience a more comfortable fit.

Limbal Fit Lenses

Your eye doctor may prescribe these lenses for ocular surface stability. These contacts have a larger diameter, which gives the stability that patients want. It helps provide more clarity and comfort as well. They do not interfere with the eyelids either.

What to Consider in Selecting the Perfect Fit

A consultation with your eye doctor is important in determining the right type and fit of the specialty contact lenses. Patients must express their goals and preferences. The eye doctor may ask probing questions and perform tests to determine the right contact lenses. Here are things to think about when choosing the perfect contact lens fit:

• Choosing the base curve parameters can ensure the comfort, as well as the effectiveness of the specialty contact lenses. Selecting the right shape and size of the lenses can give the patient correct vision and good corneal health.
• Seeing if dry eye can affect contact lens wear is an important consideration in choosing the right lens fit.
• Considering the right materials can result in more comfort.

Specialty lenses can help you regain your eye health. At DeNovo Eye, we are ready to provide high-quality eye care products and services. You can visit our facility in McKinney, Texas, for an in-person consultation. Please call or text 469-317-2020 to set an appointment or ask about our specialty contact lens packages.