At Optica Optometry, we offer specialty contact lenses designed to help patients who need more than standard vision correction. Specialty contact lenses provide customized vision correction for patients with irregular corneas, severe dry eye, or complex prescriptions. With the right design and precise fitting, these lenses can significantly improve both vision clarity and comfort for patients who may have struggled with conventional contacts in the past.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses that go beyond the capabilities of conventional soft contact lenses. They are often prescribed for individuals with irregular corneas, severe dry eye, high prescriptions, or other eye conditions that make standard lenses uncomfortable or ineffective.

Specialty contacts are carefully fitted to match the exact shape and needs of a patient’s eyes. This personalized design can significantly improve vision clarity and comfort, especially for patients who previously believed contact lenses were not an option for them.

Who Can Benefit From Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty lenses are commonly recommended for patients with certain eye conditions or vision challenges. These may include:

Keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, causing distorted vision
Astigmatism, especially when it is severe or irregular
Post-surgical corneas, such as after LASIK or corneal transplant procedures
High prescriptions that standard lenses cannot effectively correct
Chronic dry eye that makes traditional contact lenses uncomfortable
Corneal scarring or irregularities caused by injury or disease

Patients who have struggled with discomfort or poor vision using traditional contacts may find that specialty lenses offer a life-changing alternative.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

There are several types of specialty lenses, each designed to address specific vision issues and eye conditions.

Scleral Lenses: These larger gas-permeable lenses rest on the white part of the eye and create a fluid layer over the cornea. They are often used for keratoconus, irregular corneas, and severe dry eye.
Hybrid Contact Lenses: Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center for clear vision with a soft outer edge for comfort. They are commonly recommended for keratoconus or significant astigmatism.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: Worn overnight, Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the cornea so patients can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. They are often used to manage myopia, especially in children.
Custom Soft Lenses: These lenses are tailored for unique prescriptions or eye shapes, helping correct higher levels of astigmatism while maintaining the comfort of soft contacts.

What to Expect During the Fitting Process

Fitting specialty contact lenses involves a more detailed process than standard contact lenses. At Optica Optometry, the process typically includes advanced diagnostic technology to map the shape of the cornea and evaluate overall eye health.

During the fitting process, your optometrist will:

Perform a comprehensive eye exam
Use corneal mapping or imaging to assess the eye’s surface
Select or design lenses tailored to your eye structure
Evaluate comfort, fit, and visual clarity with trial lenses

Because these lenses are highly customized, the fitting process may take multiple visits to ensure the best possible results.

Experience Personalized Vision Care at Optica Optometry

If you’ve struggled with traditional contact lenses or have been told you’re not a candidate for contacts, specialty lenses may offer a solution. Our optometrists can evaluate your eyes and determine the best option for your vision needs.

Contact Optica Optometry today to schedule a consultation and learn whether specialty contact lenses are right for you.