What Eye Conditions Can Specialty Contact Lenses Help Manage?

 What Eye Conditions Can Specialty Contact Lenses Help Manage?

At Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates, we understand that not all vision problems can be effectively corrected with standard eyeglasses or contact lenses. That's where specialty contact lenses come into play. These advanced lenses are designed to address a range of complex eye conditions, offering improved vision and comfort for many patients.
 

What are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with specific vision challenges that standard contact lenses cannot address. Unlike regular contact lenses, specialty lenses are crafted using advanced materials and precise measurements to provide optimal comfort and visual acuity.
 

Types of specialty contact lenses include gas permeable (GP) lenses, scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses. Each type offers distinct advantages, such as enhanced stability on the eye, improved oxygen permeability, or the ability to reshape the cornea overnight to correct vision temporarily. By addressing complex vision issues, specialty contact lenses significantly improve the quality of life for those with challenging eye conditions.
 

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision. Specialty contact lenses, such as scleral lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, provide a smooth optical surface that can significantly improve vision for keratoconus patients. Scleral lenses, in particular, vault over the irregular cornea, offering exceptional comfort and clarity.
 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Toric contact lenses are designed specifically to correct astigmatism. These lenses are available in both soft and RGP varieties, providing stable and clear vision by compensating for the uneven curvature of the eye.  In some instances, scleral lenses can also be a great alternative for those with high astigmatism and are finding variable vision in other modalities. 

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eye's lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Multifocal and bifocal contact lenses can help manage presbyopia by offering multiple prescription zones in a single lens. This allows for clear vision at various distances, reducing the need for reading glasses.
 

Myopia

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are a revolutionary option for managing myopia. These specially designed gas permeable lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is particularly beneficial for slowing the progression of myopia in children. In addition, there are also multifocal soft contact lenses which can help manage myopia. Both types offer pediatric patients the oppurtunity to slow down myopia. 

Post-Surgical Vision Correction

Patients who have undergone refractive surgery, such as LASIK or cataract surgery, may still experience vision issues that require correction. Specialty contact lenses, like scleral lenses, can address residual refractive errors and irregular corneas post-surgery, providing enhanced visual acuity and comfort.
 

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome can make wearing traditional contact lenses uncomfortable. Scleral lenses, which create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, offer a soothing solution for dry eye sufferers. This design not only improves vision but also provides continuous hydration, reducing dryness and irritation.
 

Irregular Corneas

Conditions such as corneal scarring, pellucid marginal degeneration, and post-corneal transplant irregularities can result in distorted vision. Specialty lenses, particularly scleral lenses, can accommodate these irregularities, offering a stable and clear optical surface that significantly improves vision.
 

The Benefits of Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses offer numerous benefits for individuals with unique or complex vision needs that standard lenses cannot address. One of the primary benefits is enhanced visual acuity, as the precise fit and advanced materials ensure clear and sharp vision. 
 

Additionally, specialty lenses often provide greater comfort, particularly for those with sensitive eyes or corneal irregularities, as they are tailored to the specific shape and needs of the wearer's eyes. 
 

Lastly, specialty lenses can slow the progression of myopia in children and provide non-surgical vision correction options. Overall, specialty contact lenses can significantly improve the quality of life by offering customized solutions that enhance both vision and comfort.
 

Are Specialty Contact Lenses Right for You?

At Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced solutions for complex vision issues. We offer comprehensive eye exams and utilize state-of-the-art technology to fit specialty contact lenses tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to enhance your vision and overall eye health, ensuring you enjoy the best possible quality of life.
 

If you're struggling with an eye condition and interested in exploring specialty contact lenses, schedule a consultation with Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associate. Visit our office in Manhattan, New York, or call (212) 355-5145 to book an appointment today.