Specialty contact lenses are medical devices designed for people with eye problems, especially corneal conditions. They serve needs other conventional contacts cannot solve, such as keratoconus. The shapes of corneas vary in different people, so regular lenses may not fit perfectly and comfortably. They can also become damaged by people with dry eyes. Specialty contact lenses San Antonio are designed in different forms to work correctly in your eye and solve various eye issues. The common types include:
Scleral lenses
Scleral lenses are best for corneal problems because they have no contact with them. These lenses rest on the white part of your eye and vault over the cornea. The crypt contains a preservative-free solution that keeps your eye hydrated and lubricated. Scleral lenses treat complications like dry eyes, abnormal eyelids, complications of post-corneal transplant, and burn injuries. They are more comfortable than standard lenses.
Ortho-K lenses
Orthokeratology lenses are contact lenses that gently reshape your corneal surfaces. They are suitable for conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. You wear the lenses overnight to achieve temporary vision correction without putting on contact lenses or glasses during the daytime. Ortho-K lenses are ideal if you engage in sport or jobs that make it difficult to wear contacts or glasses.
Soft lenses
Soft lenses are made from soft and pliable materials to conform to your eye shape. They allow oxygen to pass through them to the cornea. Soft lenses are more comfortable and easier to adjust, but they do not give the best stable vision. The commonly used materials to make soft lenses are hydrogel and newer silicone-hydrogel, which provide more oxygen to your cornea.
Rigid gas permeable lenses
Opticians can recommend gas-permeable lenses if you have dry eyes. They are made with a material that enables oxygen to pass through them to your cornea, so your eyes do not dry out quickly, enhancing comfort. The rigidity of gas permeable lenses aids your cornea to maintain its shape while wearing them and can help with some corneal conditions. They last longer than soft lenses, but in some cases, they take longer to adapt to your eyes and bring discomfort for the first few days.
Cosmetic lenses
Cosmetic lenses, also known as theatrical or special effects, are used to change the appearance of the eyes. Changing your eye color and hiding injuries or disfigurements in your eyes are the common uses of cosmetic lenses. In many instances, they do not serve for vision correction. Although most people use them for beauty purposes, you must obtain them from a qualified optician to avoid eye problems like swelling.
Toric lenses
Toric lenses are used to correct astigmatism. Their design allows them to always sit in the correct position on your eye to maintain a clear vision. Toric lenses also treat other refractive conditions related to astigmatism. Every person’s eyes are unique, so you may take a prolonged period to get toric lenses that best suit your eyes.
Ensure you visit a reliable eye specialist to put on your lenses as poor assessment or fitting can cause eye problems such as redness, discomfort, blurred vision, or corneal abrasions. Call the Alamo Eye Care to schedule an appointment to determine which specialty contact lenses best fit your eye complication.
