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. 
 

Who might be a good patient for specialty contact lenses?

Some of the patients that might benefit from specialty contact lenses include those who:

• Have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome

• Have corneal scarring

• Have been diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition characterized by the bulging of the cornea

• Suffer from strabismus, a condition where the patient has an eye that turns in or out relative to the other

• Have suffered an injury to the eye

• Suffer from a peripheral corneal thinning disorder

• Are intolerant to other types of lenses
   

Your eye doctor or contact lens provider will be able to tell you if you need specialty contact lenses and if so, which lenses would be best based on your individual requirements.

Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses

Corneal GP lenses are small diameter lenses made of rigid gas permeable plastic that rest on the cornea. This material creates a smooth surface for patients with irregular corneas or high astigmatism, resulting in sharper vision.
 

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are larger diameter lenses made of GP material. The lenses create a layer of fluid between the eye and the lens which makes scleral lenses a good choice for patients with dry eyes and corneal abnormalities.
 

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses are a combination of both soft and gas-permeable contact lenses, giving patients the opportunity to enjoy the best parts of both designs. They offer the same visual benefits as a corneal GP, but the soft skirt can be helpful for some patients in adapting to the sensation of having a contact lens on the eye.

For more information about specialty contact lenses, don’t hesitate to speak to our dedicated eye care team