Contact lenses have been popular for decades, but finding the right fit could be a challenge for many people with unique vision issues. Fortunately, today’s designs, materials, and technology have made it possible to find the right contacts for nearly every eye shape and situation.
If you’ve had difficulty with contacts in the past due to corneal issues, needing bifocals, or any other reason, now might be the time to try again. Contact lenses today are more customized and more comfortable than ever before. Once you’ve found the right fit, you’ll have a lasting alternative to frames that lets you choose what’s best for your lifestyle!
What Counts as a Specialty Lens?
Typical contact lenses today can be either hard lenses or soft lenses. While the material is chosen depending on your needs, the shape is standardized to fit the average human eye. However, many eye conditions can change the eye’s shape or affect vision in ways that standard contact lenses can’t address.
Specialty lenses are carefully designed to fit those with unique eye shapes or particular needs for vision correction. Examples include toric lenses, which fit over the cornea instead of directly on it, and multifocal lenses that provide different vision correction in each part of the lens. Lenses can even be customized to include several advanced features depending on your specific visual needs.
Who Might Need Specialty Lenses?
Most people who need more than basic vision correction (nearsightedness or farsightedness) could benefit from specialty lenses. Some people even have more than one vision issue, requiring the lens to be specially tailored to them.
Most commonly, specialty lenses are used for those whose eyes:
- Are dry or sensitive
- Need multiple types of vision correction
- Are unusually shaped, such as astigmatism
- Have scarring on their cornea
Does Age Make a Difference?
When it comes to wearing contacts, this versatile treatment is open to anyone from the teenage years onward. As long as you can put in and remove your contacts, you can typically wear them without difficulty. While this option is generally not suitable for children, many teens wear contacts, as do adults and seniors of varying ages.
It’s common for our eyes to become dryer as we age. Frequent use of screens, including televisions, computers, and mobile devices, can exacerbate this effect. While this can affect how comfortable contacts would be, modern contacts can be made using advanced materials and designs that can even accommodate dry or sensitive eyes.
Who Provides Specialty Lenses?
While standard lenses are available from various sources, it’s important to seek a professional when you need contacts for specific or more complex issues. An ophthalmologist or contact specialist can determine exactly which type of contacts will fit your needs and design them to be both comfortable and effective.
The process starts with a full exam, which considers everything from your vision needs to eye shape, tear production, daily habits, and lifestyle. They’ll ask you how often you plan to wear contacts, what kind of activities you participate in, and whether you’ve had issues wearing them in the past. You may have to try a few different types of contacts to find the kind that suits you best. An expert eye doctor will work closely with you to help you find the right type for you.
Dr. Daniel G. Blumenfeld, M.D., has provided contact lenses for patients with a wide variety of eyesight issues across El Paso, Texas. His years of experience, careful attention to detail, and expert staff help ensure that you find the perfect fit for you, no matter your needs. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help!