Specialty Contacts

Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever been to the optometrist and been told you need specialty contact lenses? If you have, then you're not alone. In fact, according to a recent study, about one in four people require specialty lenses. So, what exactly are specialty contact lenses? This post will look at these contact lenses and explore some of the most common reasons people need them. At Vision Plus, we specialize in optometry, so if you need specialty contact lenses, we can help. Visit our office in San Antonio, TX.

What Are Specialty Lenses?

Special contact lenses are typically needed when someone has an irregular corneal shape. This distinctive shape means the front surface of their eye is not ideally round. Different types of specialty lenses may be required, depending on the severity of the irregularity. For example, some people may need to wear scleral lenses. Scleral lenses are larger-than-normal contact lenses that vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). Others may need to wear toric or hybrid lenses, a combination of hard and soft materials.

Astigmatism

When you have astigmatism, your cornea is curved more in one direction than the other. This curve can cause your vision to be blurry. Special contact lenses can help correct this by evenly distributing pressure on your cornea.

Keratoconus

When you have keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped. This cone shape can cause severe vision problems and may require a corneal transplant. Specialty lenses can help correct this condition and improve vision.

Dry Eye

When you have dry eyes, your tears cannot perform correctly. As a result, dry eyes can cause irritation, redness, and discomfort. Specialty lenses can help alleviate these symptoms by increasing tear retention and improving the quality of the tears.

Conjunctivitis

When you have conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, the conjunctiva (transparent membrane covering the white of the eye) becomes inflamed. This inflamed portion can cause redness, itching, and burning. Special contact lenses can help soothe these symptoms.

Types of Specialty Lenses

There are different types of specialty contact lenses, and the kind you need will depend on your condition. Some of the most common types of specialty lenses include:

• Gas permeable lenses
• Soft lenses
• Hybrid lenses
• Toric lenses
• Scleral lenses

Specialty Contact Lens Fitting

If you think you might need specialty contact lenses, the first step is to see an eye doctor. During your optometrist visit, they will conduct a comprehensive contact lens eye exam to determine if you need specialty lenses. A contact lens exam differs from a regular eye exam and includes additional tests to evaluate the health of your eyes and how they respond to contact lenses.

Visit Us for Comprehensive Eyecare and Contact Lens Exam Today

Special contact lenses are a great way to improve your vision. They can be used for various purposes and customized to fit your needs. Contact our eye doctor at Vision Plus in San Antonio, TX. Call us today at (210) 520-6353 to schedule an appointment.