Custom soft contact lenses provide a tailored solution for individuals struggling with keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. Our experienced eye doctors specialize in personalized fittings, ensuring your comfort and visual clarity. Find a top optometrist near you through Specialty Vision.
Custom soft contact lenses are specialty‑designed lenses crafted to address irregular corneal surfaces, including challenges caused by keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and post‑surgical ectasia. They are tailored to each individual’s corneal shape by using advanced manufacturing techniques that allow for adjustments not possible with mass‑produced soft lenses. Unlike regular soft lenses that drape over the eye like a thin film, custom soft lenses are lathe‑cut to precise specifications based on measurements from your eye. This technology allows our eye doctors to adjust key parameters such as base curve, diameter, center thickness, and peripheral curves so that the lens can mask corneal irregularities while still providing excellent comfort. For patients who have struggled with traditional options, these lenses present a promising solution to improve both vision and wearing experience.
Custom soft contact lenses are engineered to do more than simply feel comfortable, they are designed to correct the unique distortions caused by an irregular cornea. By combining precise optics with tailored thickness and edge contours, these lenses create a smooth, stable optical surface that standard lenses cannot achieve. Explore the key features that make them an effective solution for keratoconus, post‑surgical ectasia, and other corneal irregularities.
Custom soft lenses feature a significantly thicker central zone, often 0.40 mm or more, compared to everyday soft lenses. This added thickness acts like a “pseudo‑rigid” platform, masking irregular astigmatism and maintaining the lens’s shape on an uneven corneal surface. By holding its form, the lens delivers a uniform refractive surface that translates into clearer, more stable vision. Patients often report fewer fluctuations in clarity as they blink, even when their corneal shape is highly distorted. Additionally, the increased thickness can reduce lens flexure during wear, which helps maintain consistent optical performance throughout the day.
Unlike standard spherical lenses, aspheric optics are precisely curved to correct both lower‑ and higher‑order aberrations. These aberrations, such as coma and spherical aberration, are common in keratoconus and post‑surgical eyes, causing glare, halos, or blur. The aspheric front surface of a custom soft lens counteracts these distortions by redistributing light more evenly across the retina. As a result, patients experience sharper contrast sensitivity and improved night vision. Moreover, by smoothing the wavefront of incoming light, aspheric designs can enhance overall visual comfort, reducing eyestrain during prolonged tasks like reading or computer work.
The lens edge, its periphery, can be fine‑tuned in specific sectors to achieve ideal drape and movement on the eye. By steepening or flattening up to four quadrants independently, our eye doctors can eliminate areas of excessive lift or edge lift that lead to debris trapping or discomfort. This sector‑specific control ensures the lens remains stable with each blink, promoting consistent tear exchange and oxygen delivery. A well‑fitted periphery also minimizes lens rotation, which is critical when correcting astigmatism. In addition, precise peripheral adjustments can help prevent conjunctival compression and reduce the risk of redness or irritation during extended wear.
Custom soft lenses are available in a range of advanced materials, from high‑Dk silicone‑hydrogel blends to ultra‑flexible hydrogel polymers. Silicone‑hydrogel options offer superior oxygen permeability, helping to maintain corneal health during extended wear. High‑water‑content hydrogels provide a softer, more comfortable initial feel, which can be beneficial for patients with sensitive eyes. Our eye doctor will select the material that best balances breathability, moisture retention, and handling ease for your individual needs. Some materials also incorporate wetting agents or surface treatments that enhance tear film stability, reducing dryness and improving all-day comfort.
Where the cornea exhibits irregular astigmatism, these lenses can dramatically improve vision.
Patients experiencing thinning or irregularities along the peripheral cornea may benefit from the enhanced fit.
For individuals with corneal shape changes following surgery, the precise customization can create a smoother optical surface.
Many patients find the flexibility and comfort of a soft lens preferable to the harder materials used in GP, hybrid, or scleral options.
If you have achieved acceptable vision with glasses yet desire greater comfort, or if you have struggled with rigid lens discomfort, our eye doctors may recommend a custom soft lens as the ideal next step. These lenses are designed to provide excellent visual correction and easier handling throughout your daily routine.
Each lens is carefully custom‑made using precise measurements from corneal topography and other diagnostic tests. This level of detail ensures that the lens not only corrects your vision but also maintains optimal comfort and stability throughout the day. There are several key brands and lens designs available in the custom soft lens category, each offering unique benefits:
These lenses are produced using silicone‑hydrogel or hydrogel blends. The KeraSoft IC utilizes a thicker center (around ≥0.40 mm) for a pseudo‑rigid surface, while the Thin variant offers an ultra‑thin center (approximately 0.20 mm) for those with specific fitting challenges. Custom parameters include base curve, diameter, quadrant‑specific periphery, and the IT (Index of Thickness) factor.
Manufactured with silicone‑hydrogel materials, NovaKone lenses feature a range of center thickness options (0.35–0.75 mm in multiple levels) and allow for substantial customization in base curve (5.4–8.6 mm) and cylinder correction up to –10.00 D. These are particularly suited for patients with mild to advanced irregularities who have not achieved success with previous lens types.
For those requiring multifocal correction, these custom lenses can be tailored in add power and zone sizes, allowing for an individualized solution that addresses both presbyopia and the challenges related to irregular corneal shapes.
The physics behind custom soft contact lenses is centered on their ability to mask the irregularities of an uneven cornea. The increased center thickness, when combined with aspheric front surface optics, creates an optical profile that corrects distorted vision. Essentially, the lens acts as an artificial surface over your eye, diminishing the negative impact of uneven corneal structures.
This level of customization allows the lens parameters to be individually tailored. Whether your cornea is relatively shallow or has an unusually deep sagittal depth, custom soft lenses can be designed to provide better coverage, minimize unwanted movement, and ultimately improve your day‑to‑day vision.
Getting fitted for custom soft contact lenses is a process that parallels a standard soft lens fitting but with extra attention to individualized details. Here’s an outline of what you can expect during the fitting process:
Our eye doctors will conduct detailed tests, including corneal topography and visual acuity assessments, to capture the exact shape and dimensions of your cornea. This is essential because every eye is unique.
Parameters such as central keratometry readings (your cornea’s steepest points), horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), and sagittal depth are taken into account. These measurements help determine the optimal base curve, diameter, and Index of Thickness (IT) for your lens.
A diagnostic set with multiple lens options is used until the best fit is found. This involves checking the drape, centration, movement, and rotation of the lens on your eye. A successful fit typically shows a movement of 0.3–0.5 mm with each blink, ensuring both comfort and tear exchange.
After the lens is in place, an over‑refraction is performed to fine‑tune the lens power. This extra step ensures that the final prescription provides the clearest vision possible.
One “aha” moment for many patients is discovering that custom soft lenses can offer a unique balance of comfort and visual clarity that other lens modalities may not provide. While traditional GP (gas permeable) or scleral lenses have their advantages for certain conditions, they may not always offer the comfort needed for extended wear. Here are some of the key benefits:
Soft materials conform closely to the eye, reducing irritation and making them ideal for patients who have struggled with the rigidity of other lenses.
Ready to experience enhanced comfort and clarity with custom soft contact lenses? Contact one of the top eye doctors listed with Specialty Vision near you and get started on your journey to better vision today!
The ability to customize the lens parameters, such as center thickness and peripheral curves, allows for improved correction of irregular astigmatism and higher‑order aberrations.
Custom soft lenses are generally easier to insert and remove, making them a practical choice for daily use.
Advanced stabilization methods improve lens centration and minimize rotation, ensuring that the corrective optics remain in the proper position.
Because these lenses are lathe‑cut, they can be manufactured to a vast range of base curves, diameters, and refractive powers, accommodating eyes that do not fit within the constraints of standard soft lenses.
In addition to correcting irregular astigmatism and other refraction errors, custom soft lenses are also available in multifocal designs. This option is especially useful for presbyopic patients or individuals experiencing the visual stress of digital device use. Unlike mass‑produced multifocal lenses, the custom approach allows for:
By offering a broader spectrum of customization options, these multifocal lenses not only help in providing crisp distance and near vision but also improve overall visual comfort during prolonged use.
For many patients with mild to moderate corneal irregularities, these lenses offer good‑to‑excellent visual acuity. However, for very advanced cases of keratoconus or highly irregular corneas, additional lens options or combinations of lens modalities might be considered.
Most patients notice an improvement in comfort and clarity within a few days to a week. Our eye doctors will perform follow‑up appointments to fine‑tune the lens parameters, ensuring that you have the best possible experience.
Yes, when worn as prescribed on a daily‑wear schedule with proper cleaning and regular check‑ups, custom soft contact lenses are a safe and effective option. Maintaining strict hygiene practices is crucial for avoiding complications.
While standard soft lenses may not be able to mask the irregularities of a keratoconic cornea, custom soft lenses are designed to provide a tailored fit and improved optical performance. Compared to GP lenses, custom soft lenses typically offer enhanced comfort and ease of handling while still delivering quality vision correction.
Because the design is based on precise measurements such as corneal diameter, central keratometry readings, and sagittal depth, the fitting process is critical. Ensure that accurate diagnostic tests are performed to tailor your lens specifically to your eyes.
Regular check‑ups allow our eye doctors to monitor the lens fit, adjust any parameters, and maintain optimal vision correction while minimizing risks.
Adhering to the prescribed cleaning and replacement schedule is fundamental to the longevity and safety of your lenses.
Let our eye doctors know about your daily routines and any specific concerns so that they can recommend a lens design that best suits your visual needs and comfort preferences.
Custom soft contact lenses represent a significant evolution in addressing complex vision corrections. Our eye doctors guide you from initial evaluation through follow‑up, ensuring a tailored fit and consistent performance. Contact our office for a personalized consultation to explore your custom lens options.
Ready to experience enhanced comfort and clarity with custom soft contact lenses? Contact one of the top eye doctors listed with Specialty Vision near you and get started on your journey to better vision today!
Custom soft contact lenses offer tailored solutions for keratoconus and corneal irregularities. Discover personalized eye care at Specialty Vision.
