Contact lenses provide a convenient alternative to glasses for vision correction. Whether you choose daily disposables, soft lenses, or specialty options, there is a perfect fit for your needs.
While soft contact lenses work well for most people, some require specialized lenses to correct conditions like astigmatism, presbyopia, or irregular corneas. These specialty lenses are designed to provide sharper, more stable vision where standard lenses might fall short. In this section, we’ll explore toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, and scleral lenses.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, causing blurry or distorted vision. Unlike regular contact lenses, which have a uniform prescription across the lens, toric contact lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct this irregularity.
Key features of toric lenses:
One challenge with toric lenses is that they must stay in a fixed orientation on the eye to provide clear vision. Most toric lenses incorporate thin-thick zones, prism ballast (a slightly thicker bottom to prevent rotation), or periballasting to stabilize them.
Astigmatism correction is measured in diopters, and most commercially available toric soft lenses correct up to -2.75 diopters of astigmatism. For higher amounts, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses may be required.
Who benefits from toric lenses?
Presbyopia is a natural age-related condition where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. This usually becomes noticeable around age 40 and is commonly corrected with reading glasses. However, multifocal contact lenses offer a glasses-free alternative by incorporating multiple prescription zones into one lens.
Types of multifocal lenses:
Multifocal lenses require a brief adaptation period, as the brain must adjust to processing multiple focal distances at once.
Who benefits from multifocal lenses?
Unlike soft lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of firm, oxygen-permeable material. While they require a longer adaptation period, they provide sharper, more stable vision—especially for those with high astigmatism or irregular corneas.
Advantages of RGP lenses:
RGP lenses do have a learning curve, as they are smaller and less flexible than soft lenses. However, many wearers report that once they adapt, the superior vision clarity makes them worthwhile.
Who should consider RGP lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas-permeable lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). They are particularly beneficial for patients with irregular corneas or severe dry eye, as they create a fluid-filled reservoir that protects the cornea and provides a new optical surface for clear vision.
Key benefits of scleral lenses:
Who should consider scleral lenses?
While soft lenses work for most people, those with astigmatism, presbyopia, irregular corneas, or severe dry eye may need specialty lenses to achieve the best vision possible. Toric, multifocal, RGP, and scleral lenses each have their own unique benefits and require professional fitting to ensure comfort and optimal vision.
Contact lenses do more than just correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Some lenses are designed for cosmetic enhancement, while others provide preventative or therapeutic benefits for specific medical conditions.
Colored contact lenses are popular for both cosmetic and medical reasons. While some people wear them to change or enhance their eye color, others require them for therapeutic purposes, such as covering eye irregularities or improving contrast in low-light conditions.
Types of colored contact lenses:
It’s important to note that colored contact lenses—whether for cosmetic or medical use—require a prescription. Over-the-counter colored lenses sold without a proper fitting can lead to corneal damage, infection, and even vision loss.
Prosthetic lenses can restore symmetry and confidence for individuals with eye disfigurements. In cases of photophobia (light sensitivity), tinted lenses can help by filtering out specific wavelengths of light.
Who might benefit from prosthetic lenses?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves the use of specially designed rigid gas permeable lenses that reshape the cornea while you sleep. By wearing Ortho-K lenses overnight, wearers can achieve clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
How does Ortho-K work?
Ortho-K is particularly useful for myopia control in children. Studies show that Ortho-K lenses slow the progression of nearsightedness dramatically, making them an effective option for young patients with rapidly worsening myopia.
Who should consider Ortho-K?
Regardless of the type of contact lens you wear, proper care is essential to maintaining healthy eyes. Here are the most important guidelines for safe contact lens use:
Always follow the prescribed replacement schedule.
Wearing contact lenses beyond their intended lifespan leads to bacterial buildup, reduced oxygen permeability, and increased infection risk.
Never sleep in contact lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear.
Sleeping in lenses dramatically increases the risk of eye infections, as the cornea receives less oxygen while the eyes are closed.
Use fresh contact lens solution daily—never top off old solution.
Reusing old solution leads to bacterial contamination, which can result in serious eye infections.
Wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses.
Avoid using tap water to clean lenses or lens cases, as it may contain harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections.
Replace your contact lens case every 1–3 months.
Old cases harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Remove lenses immediately if experiencing redness, pain, or light sensitivity.
These symptoms could indicate an infection or corneal damage. Seek professional medical care promptly.
See our eye doctors right away if you experience any symptoms related to contact lens wear.
Contact lenses can increase the risks of certain conditions, that if left untreated can even cause permanent vision loss. Which is why it is important to see our eye doctors right away if you have any concerns.
With so many contact lens options available, the best choice depends on your vision needs, lifestyle, and overall eye health. Whether you require daily disposables for convenience, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, or scleral lenses for dry eye relief, there is a contact lens designed for you. One thing is certain, you should not settle for contact lenses that do not give you the vision or comfort that you desire. Our eye doctors will help you find the best lens for your needs, so that you can enjoy contact lenses safely, with great vision, and in comfort.
Find a top optometrist near you to help you choose the right contact lenses for your vision and comfort.
Find a top optometrist near you to help you choose the right contact lenses for your vision and comfort.
Explore the world of contact lenses, including daily disposables, soft lenses, and specialty options for unique vision needs.
