Who Can Benefit from Specialty Contact Lenses?
Specialty contact lenses offer tailored solutions for those with unique vision needs that traditional lenses or eyeglasses may not fully address. From individuals with certain eye conditions to those seeking enhanced comfort and vision clarity, specialty lenses provide options for many who might otherwise struggle with vision correction. At Luke Eye Associates, we’re dedicated to helping our patients understand their options and find the best solution for optimal visual health. Here’s a look at who can benefit from specialty contact lenses and why they might be the perfect choice for your eyes.
People with dry eyes often find traditional contacts uncomfortable because they can worsen dryness by reducing tear film stability. Specialty lenses, like scleral lenses, create a fluid reservoir that can keep the eye hydrated and protected. These lenses provide a cushion of moisture, helping alleviate symptoms of dryness and irritation, making them an excellent choice for those with dry eye syndrome.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curve, which can lead to blurry or distorted vision. Toric lenses, a type of specialty lens designed to fit the eye’s unique shape, provide customized correction for astigmatism. For individuals with severe or irregular astigmatism, other custom-designed specialty lenses can be made to address these specific visual needs, delivering clearer vision than traditional lenses.
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing blurred or distorted vision. Standard lenses often cannot contour well to these irregular corneal surfaces, leaving wearers with subpar vision correction. Specialty lenses, particularly scleral lenses, are designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), providing a smooth optical surface that enhances vision and comfort for those with keratoconus.
Presbyopia, an age-related condition where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, affects near vision. Multifocal or bifocal contact lenses are specialty options designed to help individuals with presbyopia see clearly at multiple distances, without needing to rely on reading glasses. These lenses provide the convenience of clear near, intermediate, and distance vision in a single pair, making daily activities easier and more comfortable.
Some people have high prescriptions or unique vision needs that standard lenses may not fully correct. Specialty contact lenses can be custom-made to handle even extreme prescriptions, providing better vision and comfort for those who may have struggled with other types of correction.
People who have undergone corneal surgery, such as LASIK or cataract surgery, may experience irregularities that can impact vision. Specialty lenses like scleral or custom soft lenses can provide a more stable visual experience by correcting irregularities and compensating for changes in the corneal surface.
Some specialty lenses are designed for individuals who are constantly active or need improved stability and durability in their contacts. These lenses can provide enhanced comfort and clarity in challenging environments, making them ideal for athletes or those working in physically demanding settings.
Selecting the best specialty lenses requires a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an eye care professional. At Luke Eye Associates, we will assess your eye health, vision needs, and lifestyle to determine the ideal lens type for you. We offer various specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, multifocal lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, and more.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of specialty contact lenses and find the perfect fit for your unique vision needs, contact Luke Eye Associates to schedule an eye exam today. Visit our office in Midland, Texas, or call (432) 220-2700 to book an appointment.