Are Specialty Contact Lenses Right for My Eye Condition?

For many people, standard contact lenses work well to correct vision and provide all-day comfort. However, some eye conditions require a more advanced solution. That’s where specialty contact lenses come in. These customized lenses are designed to address unique vision needs that glasses or traditional contacts may not fully correct.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-made lenses designed for individuals who have irregular corneas, certain eye diseases, or unique vision needs. Unlike standard lenses, which come in set sizes and prescriptions, specialty lenses are tailored to the shape and health of your eyes.

Common types include:

• Scleral lenses - larger lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, providing comfort and stability for irregular corneas.

• Gas permeable (RGP) lenses - small, firm lenses that provide sharp vision for people with high prescriptions or corneal irregularities.

• Hybrid lenses - combining the sharp vision of gas permeable lenses with the comfort of soft lenses.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses - specially designed lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and temporarily correct myopia (nearsightedness).

Who Can Benefit from Specialty Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses may be recommended if you have one of the following conditions:

• Keratoconus - a condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape.

• Astigmatism (especially irregular) - when the eye’s surface is uneven, making standard lenses less effective.

• Dry eye syndrome - scleral lenses create a tear-filled cushion that relieves discomfort.

• Post-surgical corneas - after LASIK, corneal transplants, or other procedures, specialty lenses can restore clear vision.

• High prescriptions - when glasses or standard contacts don’t provide sharp enough vision.

The Advantages of Specialty Lenses

Specialty contact lenses provide sharper, clearer vision, even for patients with complex prescriptions that standard lenses may not fully correct. They are also designed to offer improved comfort, making them a great option for those with sensitive or chronically dry eyes.

Because they are custom fit to your unique eye shape, specialty lenses ensure better stability and precision compared to standard contacts. In addition, they can provide protective benefits, such as shielding the cornea from further irritation and helping to maintain long-term eye health.

Are They Right for You?

If you’ve struggled with blurry vision, discomfort, or difficulty finding contact lenses that work, specialty contact lenses may be the answer. An eye exam with advanced corneal mapping technology can help determine if these lenses are the best solution for your needs.

Discover the Right Lenses for Your Eyes

Specialty contact lenses open the door to better vision and comfort for patients with complex eye conditions. Our optometrists specialize in fitting and managing specialty lenses, ensuring you get the best possible results for your eyes.

Ready to find out if specialty contact lenses are right for you? Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Brampton Eye Clinic and discover the clarity and comfort you’ve been missing. Visit our office in Brampton, Ontario, or call (647) 348-9926 to book an appointment today.