What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses represent a significant advancement in the field of optometry, offering solutions for various eye conditions and improving the quality of life for many people. It was not just about understanding what they are but also about understanding their unique features, the different types available, and their numerous benefits.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are advanced lenses designed to correct vision problems that regular glasses or standard contact lenses cannot address. They are custom-made to fit the unique shape of your eye and cater to your specific vision needs.
 

Unlike standard lenses, specialty contact lenses treat a wider range of refractive errors, including high astigmatism, presbyopia, and myopia. Due to their custom-fit nature, they offer a higher level of comfort and clearer vision compared to their standard counterparts.
 

Different Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

There are various types of specialty contact lenses, each designed to address specific eye conditions or visual needs.
 

Firstly, we have scleral lenses. These are large-diameter, gas-permeable lenses that vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. They are ideal for individuals with irregular corneas, dry eyes, or hard-to-fit eyes.
 

Another type is hybrid lenses, which combine the features of rigid gas permeable lenses and soft lenses. They have a rigid center that corrects vision and a soft outer ring that ensures comfort. They are a good choice for individuals with high astigmatism or keratoconus.
 

Then there's orthokeratology, or Ortho-K lenses. These are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. The result is clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. They are particularly useful for controlling the progression of myopia in children.
 

Lastly, we have multifocal contact lenses. These lenses provide clear vision at all distances, making them a fantastic option for individuals with presbyopia.
 

Common Eye Conditions Addressed with Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are a game-changer for individuals with certain eye conditions, offering them a chance at clear, comfortable vision.
 

Keratoconus is one of the conditions addressed with specialty lenses. This is a progressive eye disease that results in a thin, cone-shaped cornea. Regular contact lenses can be uncomfortable and ineffective for individuals with keratoconus, but specialty lenses, like scleral or hybrid lenses, offer a solution.
 

Dry eye syndrome, a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient tears, is another condition addressed by specialty lenses. Scleral lenses, in particular, are beneficial as they vault over the cornea, creating a tear reservoir that provides constant hydration.
 

Specialty lenses also address presbyopia, a condition that affects our ability to focus on close objects as we age. Multifocal lenses offer a solution, providing clear vision at all distances.
 

The Benefits of Using Specialty Contact Lenses

The benefits of using specialty contact lenses are numerous. Firstly, they offer superior visual acuity. Traditional contact lenses and eyeglasses can correct common refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia, but they often fall short when it comes to more complex vision problems. Specialty lenses, on the other hand, are designed to treat a wider range of refractive errors, providing clearer vision.
 

Secondly, specialty lenses offer enhanced comfort. This is primarily due to their custom-fit nature. They are designed to match the unique shape of your eye, reducing the risk of discomfort or slippage.
 

Lastly, specialty contact lenses can improve your quality of life. Clear vision is essential for performing everyday tasks, from reading and writing to driving and playing sports. By providing clear, comfortable vision, specialty lenses can help you live life to the fullest.
 

Are Specialty Contact Lenses Right for You?

If you have a complex vision problem that cannot be corrected by regular glasses or standard contact lenses, then specialty lenses may be a viable option. Specialty contact lenses offer a solution for various eye conditions and provide a range of benefits, from superior visual acuity to enhanced comfort. As with any medical decision, it's essential to consult with an eye care professional. They can assess your eye health, discuss your visual needs, and determine if specialty lenses are the right choice for you.
 

To learn more on specialty contact lenses or to determine if they are right for you, visit Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates in our Manhattan, New York office. Please call (212) 355-5145 to schedule an appointment today.