What Eye Conditions Can Benefit From Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are uniquely designed contacts for correcting vision problems that traditional eyeglasses or contact lenses cannot address. The lenses are custom-made to fit the unique needs of your eyes. They provide improved vision and comfort.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus impacts the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. In keratoconus, the cornea thins and swells into a cone shape, distorting vision. The condition progresses slowly over time, affecting one or both eyes.

Traditional contact lenses may not be effective in correcting vision for people with keratoconus. The cornea's irregular shape makes it difficult for the lenses to fit on the eye. Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lens that can treat keratoconus.

These lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses, resting on the white area of the eye rather than the cornea. The lenses create a smooth, even surface for the cornea. They provide comfortable vision for people with keratoconus. Scleral lenses also help protect the cornea and promote healing.

Irregular Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a condition that develops when the cornea or lens takes on an irregular shape, causing blurry vision at all distances. Irregular astigmatism can occur due to injury, surgery, or disease.

Special contact lenses, such as toric lenses and custom soft lenses, can help correct the irregular shape of the cornea or lens. They provide clear vision for those with irregular astigmatism.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough or quality tears, causing discomfort and irritation. Traditional contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. However, specialty contact lenses such as scleral and hybrid lenses can help. These lenses create a moisture reservoir between the lens and the eye, reducing discomfort and improving vision.

High Prescription

Traditional eyeglasses can be thick and heavy. They can cause discomfort and distortion for individuals with high prescriptions. Specialty contact lenses, such as high-index lenses, can provide a thinner lens. This feature makes them a more comfortable and attractive option for those with a high prescription.

Post-LASIK or PRK Surgery

After LASIK or PRK surgery, patients may experience vision problems. Specialty contact lenses, like hybrid lenses, can help correct these issues. They provide comfortable vision for those who have had laser eye surgery.

Corneal Transplants

Corneal transplants are surgeries where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. After the surgery, the shape of the cornea may be irregular, causing distorted vision. Specialty contact lenses, such as scleral lenses and hybrid lenses, can help provide a smooth and even surface. They provide comfortable vision after corneal transplant surgery.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a condition that occurs as people age. It causes the natural eye lens to become less flexible, making it difficult to focus on near objects. Traditional contact lenses can exacerbate presbyopia symptoms.

For this condition, specialty contact lenses such as multifocal and monovision lenses can help. Multifocal lenses have different zones for near and distant vision. Monovision lenses use one eye for distance vision and the other for close-by sight.

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