Who Can Benefit from Specialty Contact Lenses?

Who Can Benefit from Specialty Contact Lenses?

For many people, standard contact lenses work well, offering convenience and clear vision. However, individuals with specific eye conditions, unique visual needs, or lifestyle requirements may need a more tailored solution. Specialty contact lenses are designed to meet these distinct needs, providing a comfortable and effective option where traditional lenses may fall short. Let’s explore who can benefit from specialty contact lenses and how they enhance vision and quality of life.

People with Irregular Corneas

Certain eye conditions cause the cornea to become irregularly shaped, making it difficult for standard lenses to provide stable, clear vision. Common conditions include:

•          Keratoconus: A progressive condition where the cornea thins and takes on a cone shape, causing distorted vision.

•          Post-Surgical Eyes: People who have had corneal surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract surgery, may experience changes in the cornea's shape.

•          Corneal Scars or Injury: Trauma or scars on the cornea can affect its smoothness, leading to visual distortions.

For individuals with irregular corneas, custom-designed  lenses can help. Scleral lenses, for example, sit on the white part of the eye and vault over the cornea, providing a smooth optical surface that corrects vision distortion while maintaining comfort.

Those with Severe Dry Eye

Standard contacts can exacerbate dryness for those with moderate to severe dry eye, making it uncomfortable or even painful to wear lenses. Specialty lenses can offer relief by creating a liquid barrier between the lens and the eye, which hydrates the surface and reduces friction. This barrier helps keep the eyes moist and comfortable, even in cases where dry eye makes other lenses challenging to wear.

Individuals with Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the eye's shape causes light to focus unevenly, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Toric lenses are a type of specialty contact lens designed specifically for astigmatism, providing a stable fit that maintains clarity throughout the day. Unlike standard spherical lenses, toric lenses are shaped to correct astigmatism and stay in place, ensuring clear, reliable vision.

People with High Prescriptions

For individuals with higher-than-average prescriptions, whether for nearsightedness or farsightedness, specialty lenses offer a customized option for vision correction. Specialty lenses are often custom-made to provide the most precise visual clarity possible, catering to the specific needs of high prescription wearers and allowing for a wider range of visual improvement.

Patients with Presbyopia

As we age, presbyopia – or difficulty focusing on close objects – can become a challenge. Multifocal lenses are specialty contacts that correct both near and distance vision in a single lens, making them an excellent solution for those with presbyopia. These lenses provide a smooth transition between distances, reducing the need for reading glasses and improving day-to-day convenience.

Optimizing Your Vision and Comfort at Image Eye Care

At Image Eye Care, we understand that every individual’s vision needs are unique. Our doctors assess and fit a variety of specialty contact lenses, ensuring each patient achieves optimal clarity and comfort. We’ll evaluate your vision and discuss the best options to enhance your eyesight and quality of life.

To learn more on whether specialty contact lenses could benefit you, contact Image Eye Care to schedule an eye exam. Visit our office in Weldon Spring, Missouri, or call (636) 447-2244 to book an appointment today.