Contact lenses are not an easy solution for every person suffering with vision problems. Although some eye conditions make it more difficult to fit standard contacts, you may be a candidate for specialty contact lenses. During the exam, the doctor will discuss the different specialty contact lenses and which option will give you the clearest vision.
Who Needs a Special Contact Lens?
Fitting and wearing contact lenses can be made more challenging when your eyes are affected by these conditions:
- Astigmatism
- Dry eyes
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
- Keratoconus
- Presbyopia
Astigmatism: Astigmatism develops when the front of the eye curves into a bulge or oval shape. It causes blurred vision that cannot always be corrected with a regular contact lens.
Dry Eyes: When eyes become excessively dry, it leads to irritation, burning, redness and blurred vision. Contact lenses can exacerbate the dryness, making it feel like a foreign object is stuck in your eye.
GPC: This condition is caused by inflammation on the inner surface of the eyelid. Normal protein buildup on contact lenses can make this condition worse.
Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a rare condition that causes the cornea to become thinner and bulge forward into a cone shape. This makes wearing regular contact lenses very uncomfortable.
Presbyopia: Eyes tend to have a tougher time focusing on close objects as they age. This condition is known as presbyopia. It typically affects people ages 40 or higher.
Solutions for Hard to Fit Contacts
Wearing contacts is not impossible if you suffer from one of the above conditions. Through advancements being made in the Optometric community, there are now many specialty contact lenses that can be successfully used to correct vision. Our licensed Optometrists are happy to meet with you and discuss which contact lens options will best fit your specific visual needs.
Gas permeable lenses are a good solution for patients who suffer from GPC or Keratoconus. GP lenses will limit protein deposits from accumulating and greatly reduce symptoms. They are also effective in containing corneal bulging and improving the vision of someone suffering from Keratoconus.
Toric lenses are used for correcting astigmatism. Toric contact lenses are specifically made to match the curvature of your eyes and ensure clearest possible vision.
Bifocal and multifocal contacts can help those suffering from presbyopia. A monovision fit can also help those with difficulty focusing on near objects. This type of fitting means one eye will be fully corrected for distance vision, while the other is fully corrected for reading or seeing near objects.
Dry eye is a very common condition that can easily be remedied through the use of eye drops. Over the counter and/or medicated eye drops will lubricate the eyes and make wearing contact lenses more comfortable.