What Types of Conditions Do Specialty Contact Lenses Address?

When it comes to vision correction, contact lenses offer a convenient and effective option for many people. However, not all eyes are the same, and some individuals have unique vision needs that go beyond what standard contact lenses can address. This is where specialty contact lenses come into play. These lenses are designed to treat a range of specific eye conditions, providing optimal comfort and vision correction. At the Eyecare Center of Wethersfield, we offer a variety of specialty contact lenses to help manage various conditions.
 

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision. Standard contact lenses often can’t provide the necessary correction for keratoconus. Specialty lenses such as scleral lenses and gas permeable lenses are designed to vault over the irregularly shaped cornea, providing clear and stable vision.
 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is not perfectly round, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct this irregular curvature, providing sharp vision for those with astigmatism. These lenses come in both soft and gas-permeable materials, offering versatility for patients.
 

Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

For individuals with myopia, or nearsightedness, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are an exciting non-surgical treatment option. These gas-permeable lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is also commonly used for myopia management in children to slow the progression of nearsightedness.
 

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a natural part of aging that makes it difficult to focus on close objects. Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide clear vision at various distances, offering a solution for individuals who need both distance and near vision correction. These lenses can eliminate the need for reading glasses while maintaining clarity for everyday tasks.
 

Dry Eye Syndrome

For individuals with dry eye syndrome, wearing regular contact lenses can sometimes worsen symptoms. Scleral lenses are often recommended in these cases because they create a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing relief from dryness while offering clear vision. These lenses also offer greater comfort for those who experience discomfort with standard lenses.
 

Post-Surgical Vision Correction

After certain eye surgeries, such as LASIK or corneal transplants, the shape of the cornea may change, leading to vision challenges that traditional lenses can't correct. Specialty lenses, like custom gas permeable lenses or hybrid lenses, can help patients achieve clearer vision and improved comfort post-surgery.
 

Irregular Cornea Conditions

In addition to keratoconus, other conditions can cause an irregularly shaped cornea, such as pellucid marginal degeneration and post-refractive surgery complications. In these cases, scleral lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses provide excellent vision correction by vaulting over the irregular cornea.
 

Are Specialty Contact Lenses Right for You?

Specialty contact lenses offer tailored solutions for individuals who can't achieve optimal vision with standard lenses. Whether you're dealing with an irregular cornea, dry eyes, or presbyopia, these lenses can provide comfort, clear vision, and a better quality of life. At Eyecare Center of Wethersfield, we take the time to evaluate your eyes and recommend the best specialty lens for your unique needs.
 

If you have an eye conditions or suspect you might benefit from specialty contact lenses, schedule a consultation with Eyecare Center of Wethersfield. Visit our office in Wethersfield, Connecticut, or call (860) 905-0086 to book an appointment today.