Exploring Different Types of Specialty Contact Lenses: Which One is Right for You?

If you’ve struggled with standard contact lenses or have been told you’re not a good candidate for them, specialty contact lenses might be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Collins Vision Care, we help people in Vandalia and surrounding areas find the right vision correction for their unique eyes.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are customized lenses designed for individuals who have unique vision needs that standard soft contacts can’t effectively address. These lenses are tailored for conditions such as keratoconus, high astigmatism, irregular corneas, or severe dry eye, providing improved vision and comfort compared to traditional options. 
 

Unlike conventional lenses, specialty contacts come in various designs, each offering specific benefits based on the wearer’s eye shape and condition. Because they are individually fitted and often require advanced technology for precise customization, specialty contact lenses offer a highly personalized vision correction solution for those who may have previously struggled with standard lenses.
 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are smaller, firmer lenses that sit directly on the cornea. Unlike soft lenses, they don’t absorb water, making them less prone to drying out. Because of their rigid structure, they provide exceptionally crisp vision, making them ideal for people with high astigmatism or irregular corneas.
 

If you’ve ever felt like your soft lenses don’t quite give you the clarity you need, RGP lenses could be worth considering. They do take some getting used to, but many of our patients who have made the switch say the improved vision is well worth the adjustment period.
 

Scleral Lenses

For those with dry eye disease, keratoconus, or other corneal irregularities, scleral lenses can be life-changing. These larger lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a tear-filled reservoir that keeps your eyes hydrated and comfortable all day long.
 

Scleral lenses offer superior stability and sharper vision compared to traditional soft or gas-permeable lenses. Many of our patients who were told they couldn’t wear contacts due to corneal conditions have found great success with scleral lenses.
 

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the best of both worlds—an RGP center for clear vision and a soft outer skirt for comfort. This design helps with visual sharpness while reducing some of the discomfort that can come with traditional RGP lenses.
 

Hybrid lenses are a great option for patients who want the precision of a gas permeable lens but find hard lenses too difficult to wear. If you’ve struggled with comfort but need the crisp vision of an RGP lens, hybrids might be the right fit for you.
 

Which One is Right for You?

The best way to find out which specialty contact lens is right for you is through a comprehensive contact lens exam. Dr. Collins takes the time to evaluate your eye health, vision needs, and lifestyle to determine the best solution.
 

To learn more on whether specialty contact lenses are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Collins at Collins Vision Care. Visit our office in Vandalia, Ohio, or call (937) 898-9333 to book an appointment today.