How Do Specialty Lenses Differ From Traditional Contacts?

You may not know that contact lenses differ unless you are an experienced wearer or an eye care specialist. After all, they all look the same in design and shape. However, there are different types of contacts available. Every patient can get one that suits them. There are specialty lenses and traditional contacts. Read on to learn how they differ.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty lenses are contacts designed for people with corneal or other eye problems. They help combat such issues as they correct vision without the need for prescription eyeglasses.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

• Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses (RGP) – These are the most common type of specialty contact lens. They fit closer to the eye than scleral lenses and are rigid. They allow oxygen to pass through them as they are porous. They help patients with astigmatism see clearly. They are ideal for individuals with vision problems but not eye conditions or diseases.
   

• Orthokeratology Lenses (Ortho-k) – They help people with refractive errors gain clear vision during the day. They also eliminate the need for prescription contacts or eyeglasses. They are worn overnight, and you remove them when you wake up. Specialists recommend them for patients with myopia or hyperopia. They are particularly best for children.
   

• Scleral Lens – Scleral lenses cover the entire front surface of your eye and not just the cornea like RGP lenses. They also cover the sclera and the cornea. They are stable, and specialists recommend them for patients with irregularly shaped corneas. They also help patients with dry eye syndrome.
   

• Hybrid Lenses – They fit comfortably and make vision clearer and sharper. They combine the comfort of silicone hydrogel lenses and the clarity of rigid gas permeable lenses. Their central zone is rigid gas permeable, surrounded by silicone hydrogel material.

What Are Traditional Contact Lenses?

Traditional contact lenses are thin plastic or glass discs that sit directly on your eye surface to correct vision. They are a great alternative to prescription eyeglasses as they cannot fog up or become wet when it rains. They also give a more natural sight compared to using eyeglasses.

Traditional contact lenses are ideal for contact activities such as sports. They cannot get in the way when you play any sport.

The Difference Between Specialty Contact Lenses and Traditional Contacts

Traditional contact lenses do not work for everybody. Most conventional contacts are soft and sit over your cornea. They are a great alternative to wearing prescription eyeglasses. However, some eye problems and issues can make wearing them impossible or uncomfortable. Unfortunately, not everyone has a standard corneal shape, so traditional contacts cannot fit. Specialty contacts help combat such problems.

Visit Your Optometrist 

Vision problems can be complex, and understanding them requires the expertise of a professional. Thus, you need to schedule an appointment with your optometrist. They will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine your needs and the ideal contact lens to suit your problem.

They will know about your eye health, cornea shape, and health. They will also test your prescription, pupil size, and how your tear ducts produce tears. The evaluation process will determine whether you need specialty lenses or traditional contacts. 

For more about specialty and traditional contacts, visit Cobb Corner Eye Care at our office in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Call (781) 344-3335 to book an appointment today.