A Comprehensive Guide to Specialty Contact Lenses for Unique Vision Needs

When it comes to correcting vision, most people think of standard eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. However, not all vision needs are the same. For individuals with more complex or unique visual conditions, specialty contact lenses offer a customized solution that standard lenses simply can’t match. At MPO Eyecare Optometry, we believe that everyone deserves clear and comfortable vision—no matter how complicated their prescription may be.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses crafted to meet the specific needs of individuals with conditions that are not easily corrected by traditional contact lenses. They are often used when patients have irregular corneas, advanced prescriptions, or ocular conditions that require more than the typical vision correction. These lenses are made from high-quality, breathable materials and are carefully fitted by an optometrist to ensure optimal vision, comfort, and eye health.

Who Needs Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are ideal for patients with the following conditions:

• Keratoconus: A progressive condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision.

• Post-Surgical Eyes: Patients who have undergone LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplant surgeries may require custom lenses for proper visual correction.

• Severe Dry Eye: Some specialty lenses can act as a moisture barrier, helping relieve discomfort caused by dry eye disease.

• High Astigmatism or Irregular Astigmatism: When astigmatism cannot be corrected with regular lenses, specialty options provide a more stable and effective solution.

• Presbyopia: Multifocal specialty lenses offer clear vision at multiple distances for those experiencing age-related vision changes.

• Corneal Scarring or Irregularities: Custom lenses help improve visual clarity by creating a smooth refractive surface.

What to Expect During a Specialty Lens Fitting

Fitting specialty contact lenses requires advanced training, precision, and the right technology. At MPO Eyecare Optometry, we take a thorough and personalized approach to ensure your lenses provide optimal comfort and clarity. We begin with a comprehensive eye exam, where Dr. Lam assesses your vision needs and overall eye health. This allows us to understand any underlying conditions and determine whether specialty lenses are the right solution for you.

Next, we perform corneal mapping using advanced topography technology. This step captures detailed measurements of the shape and contour of your cornea, which is essential for designing lenses that fit your eyes precisely. Once we have this data, we move on to the trial lens fitting phase. We select diagnostic lenses that closely match your eye shape and evaluate their fit, comfort, and visual performance.

Based on your exam and trial fitting results, we proceed with a customized lens design. Your specialty lenses are ordered to meet your specific vision requirements and corneal measurements.

Finally, we schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your new lenses are working well. During these visits, we check your vision, make any necessary adjustments, and answer any questions you may have about caring for your lenses.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

There are several types of specialty lenses, each designed for specific needs:

• Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye). They are ideal for keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, and severe dry eye cases due to their fluid reservoir that keeps eyes hydrated.

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These hard lenses provide crisp, clear vision and are suitable for patients with astigmatism or irregular corneal shapes.

• Hybrid Lenses: Combining a rigid center with a soft skirt, hybrid lenses offer the visual clarity of RGPs with the comfort of soft lenses.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: These specially designed lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day without the need for corrective lenses.

• Custom Soft Lenses: Designed for patients with irregular prescriptions, these lenses are made to exact specifications for improved fit and comfort.

The Benefits of Specialty Contact Lenses

• Improved vision clarity for complex conditions

• Enhanced comfort, even for those with sensitive eyes

• Better eye health due to oxygen-permeable materials

• Customized fit for a more precise correction

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam and Fitting Today

If you’ve struggled to find vision correction that truly works for you, specialty contact lenses may be the solution you’ve been looking for. These advanced lenses offer hope and clarity for individuals with unique eye conditions, providing both comfort and excellent visual performance. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, suffer from dry eye, or need a custom correction, Dr. Lam and his team are here to help.

Schedule your consultation with MPO Eyecare Optometry to see if specialty contact lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Alhambra, California, or call (626) 323-8252 to book an appointment today.