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

When it comes to contact lenses, one size does not fit all. Some eye conditions require specialty contact lenses designed to address specific needs, offering enhanced comfort, improved vision, and optimal eye health. Specialty lenses are crafted with unique materials and designs to correct vision issues that traditional contacts may not cover. Let’s dive into the types of specialty contact lenses and help you determine which one might be right for you.

Scleral Lenses

•          Best For: Keratoconus, dry eye, and irregular corneas

•          Description: Scleral lenses are larger in diameter than standard lenses, covering the sclera (white of the eye) rather than just the cornea. These lenses are perfect for individuals with irregular corneas, like those with keratoconus, as they vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a smooth surface for light to focus. Additionally, the space between the lens and cornea holds a reservoir of tears, which can provide relief for dry eye sufferers.

•          Benefits: Offers sharp vision and added moisture for dry eyes, making them comfortable for long wear.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

•          Best For: Astigmatism, high prescriptions, and some corneal irregularities

•          Description: RGP lenses are smaller and made from a firmer material that allows oxygen to pass through, keeping the eyes healthier. These lenses maintain their shape on the eye, helping to correct vision issues like astigmatism and high prescriptions with clear, stable vision. RGP lenses are especially suitable for those who need precise vision correction or have difficulty achieving it with soft lenses.

•          Benefits: Provides clearer vision than soft lenses and lasts longer due to their durable design.

Hybrid Lenses

•          Best For: People who want the clarity of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses

•          Description: Hybrid lenses have a rigid center like an RGP lens surrounded by a soft lens skirt. This unique design offers the best of both worlds: the crisp vision of a gas-permeable lens and the comfort of a soft lens. Hybrid lenses are ideal for those with irregular corneas or sensitive eyes who struggle with the comfort of RGP lenses.

•          Benefits: Offers sharp vision with enhanced comfort, suitable for long wear.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

•          Best For: Myopia control in children and adults and people seeking freedom from daytime contacts or glasses

•          Description: Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, temporarily correcting vision so you can go lens-free during the day. These lenses are often used to manage myopia progression in children, helping to slow down the worsening of nearsightedness over time.

•          Benefits: Provides clear daytime vision without the need for glasses or contacts; effective in slowing myopia in young patients.

Toric Lenses

•          Best For: Astigmatism

•          Description: Toric lenses are designed specifically to address astigmatism. They have different powers in different parts of the lens, allowing for a more tailored fit and providing stability to ensure they remain in place. While toric lenses are also available in traditional forms, specialty toric lenses are custom-made for individuals who need a unique shape or fit.

•          Benefits: Offers stable, clear vision for astigmatism; custom-made for a perfect fit on unique eye shapes.

Multifocal Lenses

•          Best For: Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)

•          Description: Multifocal lenses combine different lens powers in one lens, providing clear vision at varying distances. These lenses are ideal for people who need both near and distance vision correction, often eliminating the need for reading glasses.

•          Benefits: Offers seamless transition between near and far vision; suitable for those who want to reduce dependency on reading glasses.

Which Specialty Lens is Right for You?

The best specialty contact lens for you depends on your specific vision needs, lifestyle, and comfort preferences. Consulting with a skilled optometrist is essential in determining which lens type will give you the best combination of vision clarity, comfort, and eye health. At Hills Vision Studio, we offer comprehensive eye exams and specialized fittings for a variety of specialty contact lenses. We will work closely with you to ensure that you receive the perfect lens tailored to your needs.

Schedule a consultation with Hills Vision Studio to discover which specialty contact lens is right for you and experience the freedom of clear, comfortable vision. Visit our office in Bedminster, New Jersey, or call (908) 781-7707 to book an appointment today.