Specialty Contact Lenses

Every patient is different and so are their eyes. This means that there need to be different types of contact lenses to suit each individual. Some patients have corneal abnormalities which mean that conventional lenses won’t sit comfortably on the surface of their eyes, while others suffer from eye conditions that mean normal contact lenses won’t be comfortable or could irritate their eyes.

As you may have guessed from the name, specialty contact lenses are unconventional contacts that are designed for patients that regular contacts might not be suitable. Here are some of the main types of speciality contact lenses and who they are recommended for.

1. Hard Lenses aka Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, made from firm and oxygen-permeable materials, offer several advantages over traditional soft contact lenses. Originally prescribed for conditions such as keratoconus, RGP lenses can also accommodate higher prescriptions and pronounced astigmatism. Moreover, because RGP lenses are smaller than soft lenses, they cover less of the eye’s surface, thus promoting moisture and oxygen circulation underneath. This feature makes RGP lenses particularly suitable for individuals with Dry Eye Disease.
2. Scleral contact lenses have a larger diameter compared to traditional contact lenses. Unlike conventional lenses that rest directly on the eye’s surface, scleral lenses arch over the eye, leaving a gap between the cornea and the lens itself. The space created by the lens allows those with corneal abnormalities, such as keratoconus or surgical scarring, to comfortably wear contact lenses. Additionally, this gap acts as a reservoir for tear film, maintaining moisture on the eye’s surface for an extended period and alleviating symptoms of dry eye.
3. Soft multifocal lenses are an option for treating both astigmatism and presbyopia. Certain styles allow for continuous wear for up to a week without removal, whereas others need to be taken out each night. Some of these lenses are disposable and are replaced daily, while others require regular cleaning and care. Multifocal lenses are designed with distinct zones for near and distance vision, enabling the wearer to intuitively focus through the appropriate area for optimal vision at varying distances. Typically, these lenses feature distance vision in the center and near vision around the edges, although this configuration may be reversed.
4. Soft Lenses are the most popular among patients and eye care professionals. They are appropriate for people who have myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.