Specialty Contact Lenses

These large-diameter lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. They create a fluid-filled space over the cornea, which helps protect and hydrate the eye surface. Scleral lenses work well for patients with keratoconus, corneal scarring, or severe dry eyes.

• Vault over the entire cornea for maximum protection
• Create a healing environment for damaged corneas
• Provide stable vision throughout the day
• Reduce eye irritation and discomfort
• Require specialized training for handling and care

Also called RGP lenses, these rigid contacts allow oxygen to pass through to your eye while maintaining their shape for crisp vision. They work especially well for patients with astigmatism, high prescriptions, or corneal irregularities like keratoconus. These durable lenses often provide sharper vision than soft lenses and can be more cost-effective over time.

• Provide sharper vision than soft lenses
• Allow excellent oxygen flow to the cornea
• Last longer than soft contact lenses
• Custom-made for your unique eye shape
• Resist deposit buildup and tearing

These lenses combine the best features of rigid and soft contacts with a rigid center for clear vision and a soft outer ring for comfort. Hybrid lenses help patients who need the vision quality of rigid lenses but want improved comfort. They are often considered when RGP optics are desired but softer lens feel is preferred, though comfort varies for each patient.

When standard soft lenses do not fit properly, we can create custom soft lenses made specifically for your eye measurements. These work well for patients with unusual eye shapes or very high prescriptions that regular contacts cannot correct. Custom soft designs match unique corneal curves and diameters for enhanced comfort and vision.

These special rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting myopia during the day. Orthokeratology is most commonly used for myopia control in children but may be considered for adults with mild-to-moderate myopia under close supervision. When you wake up and remove the lenses, you can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts.

For patients who need help seeing both near and far distances, we offer advanced multifocal lenses in both soft and rigid materials. These lenses help reduce dependence on reading glasses and provide smooth vision at all distances. They are available across different specialty materials and designs to meet individual needs.

Therapeutic bandage soft lenses are designed for medical treatment only, not vision correction. They protect the cornea to support healing, while prosthetic and colored lenses are medical devices that must be prescribed and monitored. These specialized lenses provide pain relief and eye protection in select conditions with short-term and monitored use to minimize complications.

Specialty lenses often provide sharper, clearer vision than glasses or regular contacts can achieve. They create a smooth optical surface that corrects irregular eye shapes for excellent visual results. The stable optics maintain consistent vision throughout the day without the blurriness that can occur with soft lenses.

Despite being made from firmer materials, many patients find specialty lenses more comfortable than regular contacts once properly fitted. These lenses allow excellent oxygen flow to the cornea and can protect damaged eye tissue. Some specialty lenses actually help stabilize eye conditions while providing vision correction.

Most specialty lenses last much longer than soft contacts, making them a cost-effective option over time. With proper care, many patients wear the same pair of specialty lenses for six months to two years depending on the type. This durability reduces the frequency of replacements and ongoing costs.

Specialty lenses can provide vision freedom that glasses cannot offer, especially for sports, work, or social activities. Orthokeratology lenses allow daytime freedom from any vision correction. Many patients report improved confidence and quality of life with specialty lens correction.

When prescribed, fitted, and maintained under professional supervision, specialty contact lenses are safe medical devices. However, improper wear or hygiene raises risks such as infection and inflammation. Following approved solutions, replacement schedules, and visit intervals helps maintain safety. All contact lens wear carries some risk, which is why professional oversight is essential.

Most patients adjust to their new specialty lenses within one to two weeks. Soft lenses typically take a few days to adapt, while rigid gas permeable lenses and hybrids can take longer as your eyes get used to the lens feel. Some types, like scleral lenses, may feel comfortable immediately, while rigid lenses might take several weeks for full adaptation.

Most specialty lenses should be removed before sleeping, except for orthokeratology lenses which are designed to be worn overnight. Sleeping in lenses is only appropriate with lenses approved for extended wear and when specifically recommended after professional evaluation. Complication risks are higher with overnight wear, so clear instructions must be followed precisely.

Specialty lenses typically last six months to two years depending on the type and how well you care for them. Soft lenses may be daily disposable or follow planned replacement schedules, while rigid gas permeable lenses often last longer with proper care. We will recommend a replacement schedule based on your specific lenses and eye health needs.

Scleral lenses create a protective fluid reservoir that can improve comfort and function in severe dry eye and ocular surface disease. Their vault reduces friction and exposure while maintaining a stable optical surface. Fit refinements address fogging and tear exchange to sustain clarity throughout the day. However, they manage symptoms rather than cure dry eye.

Some insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary specialty lenses, but coverage varies widely by plan and medical condition. Coverage is more likely when lenses are prescribed for medical conditions like keratoconus or corneal scarring rather than for convenience. Our staff can help verify your benefits and provide documentation of medical necessity when appropriate.

We keep your prescription and measurements on file, so we can quickly order replacement lenses if needed. Contact our office right away if you have problems with your lenses. Having backup lenses or glasses available is always recommended while waiting for replacements. Replacement time varies by lens type and customization level.

Yes, children can often wear specialty lenses successfully, especially for conditions like keratoconus or myopia management. Children can wear specialty lenses with family support, particularly for myopia control using multifocal soft lenses or orthokeratology under close supervision. Parental involvement in lens care and follow-up appointments is crucial for success and safety.

Insertion involves filling the lens with sterile solution and placing it carefully to maintain the fluid reservoir, while removal uses gentle techniques or special tools taught during training sessions. Skills improve with practice, and our clinicians tailor methods to your hand coordination and eye anatomy. Follow-up appointments address troubleshooting for fogging, bubbles, or lens awareness.

All colored and cosmetic lenses are medical devices that require a prescription, proper fitting, and monitoring to be used safely. Non-prescribed lenses bought over the counter or online without professional fitting carry higher risk for serious complications including infections and corneal damage. Professional oversight ensures appropriate material, hygiene education, and wear-time guidance.

Allergic reactions can occur to lens materials or cleaning solutions. Symptoms include redness, itching, excessive tearing, or swelling. Remove your lenses immediately and contact our office. We can determine if the reaction is to the lens material, cleaning solution, or deposits on the lens, and recommend alternative materials or care systems.

Yes, you can wear makeup with specialty lenses by following proper guidelines. Insert lenses before applying makeup and remove lenses before removing makeup. Use oil-free, fragrance-free products and avoid waterproof mascara that can be difficult to remove. Keep makeup away from the inner eyelid to prevent particles from getting under the lens.

Signs of proper fit include comfortable wear, stable vision, and healthy-appearing eyes. Warning signs of poor fit include persistent discomfort, fluctuating vision, excessive lens movement, or recurring redness. Your eyes can change over time due to aging, surgery, or medical conditions, so regular checkups ensure continued proper fit.

Remove lenses before swimming, showering, or any water activities to prevent serious eye infections from waterborne bacteria and parasites. If accidental water exposure occurs, remove lenses immediately, clean and disinfect thoroughly before reinsertion, or discard if using daily lenses. Use swimming goggles if you must keep lenses in during water activities.

Remove your lenses immediately and contact our office or seek urgent eye care if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain, flashing lights, or new floaters. Sudden changes can indicate serious eye problems unrelated to contact lens wear that require immediate medical attention. Do not assume vision changes are always lens-related.

Initial specialty lens fittings typically require 1-2 hours for examination, measurements, and test lens trials. Complex cases may require multiple visits to achieve optimal fit and vision. The process includes education time for insertion, removal, and care techniques. Follow-up visits are shorter, usually 30-60 minutes to assess fit and make adjustments.