How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Specialty Lenses?

For many people, standard soft contact lenses provide clear vision and comfortable wear. However, not everyone’s eyes fit neatly into this category. Some patients have unique eye shapes, conditions, or vision needs that require a more tailored solution. This is where specialty contact lenses come in.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty lenses are custom-designed contacts made to correct vision problems that traditional soft lenses cannot adequately address. These lenses are available in a variety of designs to meet different needs, including:

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses - small, firm lenses that provide sharp vision for irregular corneas.

• Scleral lenses - larger lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, offering comfort and moisture for dry eye and keratoconus patients.

• Limbal contact lenses - medium-sized lenses that provide a balance of comfort and stability.

• Multifocal lenses - lenses that allow clear vision at multiple distances, often used to manage presbyopia.

These lenses are customized to each patient, making them an excellent choice for those with unique eye health or vision concerns.

Who Can Benefit From Specialty Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are especially helpful for individuals with:

• Keratoconus or corneal irregularities

• High prescriptions that aren’t well corrected by standard lenses

• Severe dry eye that makes soft lenses uncomfortable

• Post-surgical corneas (such as after LASIK or corneal transplants)

• Presbyopia, where reading glasses aren’t convenient or preferred

Signs You May Be a Good Candidate

You may want to explore specialty lenses if you:

• Struggle with blurry or distorted vision despite wearing glasses or contacts

• Experience frequent discomfort with soft contact lenses

• Have been told in the past that you are “hard to fit” for contact lenses

• Have specific visual demands, such as needing clear distance and near vision without switching glasses

The Importance of a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

Because specialty contact lenses are highly customized, they require a thorough contact lens exam and fitting. At Lakefront Eyecare, Dr. Dugan uses advanced imaging and precise measurements to design a lens that fits your eyes perfectly. During your exam, Dr. Dugan will determine which lens type is most appropriate for your vision needs and lifestyle.

Discover if Specialty Lenses Are Right for You

Specialty contact lenses open the door to clear, comfortable vision for patients who may have struggled with glasses or traditional contacts in the past. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for contact lenses, it may be time to reconsider with the help of today’s advanced specialty lens technology.

If you’re curious about whether specialty contact lenses are right for you, schedule a contact lens exam at Lakefront Eyecare to find the perfect fit for your visual and lifestyle needs. Visit our office in New Orleans, Louisiana, or call (504) 565-2900 to book an appointment today.