What Are Specialty Contact Lenses and Who Needs Them?

For many people, standard contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct vision. However, not every eye is suited to a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s where specialty contact lenses come in. Designed for unique visual needs and challenging eye conditions, these advanced lenses can deliver clarity, comfort, and improved quality of life for patients who may not be able to wear traditional contacts.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses used to correct vision in patients with irregular corneas, advanced refractive errors, or eye conditions that make standard contacts uncomfortable or ineffective. These lenses are often made from advanced materials and tailored to the precise measurements of each individual eye.
 

Common types of specialty contact lenses include:
 

• Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera), offering stability and comfort for people with keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, or corneal irregularities.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These hard lenses allow oxygen to pass through to the eye while maintaining their shape, making them ideal for people with high astigmatism or other corneal issues.
• Hybrid Lenses: Combining a rigid center with a soft outer skirt, these lenses offer both visual sharpness and enhanced comfort.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: Worn overnight, these lenses gently reshape the cornea to temporarily correct myopia, eliminating the need for daytime wear.

Who Might Benefit from Specialty Contacts?

Specialty contact lenses are often recommended for individuals with:
 

• Keratoconus or other corneal irregularities
• Severe dry eyes
• High astigmatism or irregular astigmatism
• Post-surgical vision changes (after LASIK or corneal transplant)
• Pellucid marginal degeneration
• High prescriptions not manageable with soft lenses
• Desire for non-surgical myopia control (in children or adults)

If you’ve struggled with traditional contact lenses, or if your eye doctor has diagnosed a condition that affects the shape or health of your cornea, specialty lenses could be the solution.
 

What to Expect During a Specialty Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

A contact lens exam for specialty lenses is more comprehensive than a standard vision test. Your optometrist will begin with a full eye health evaluation, examining the structures of your eyes to determine whether you're a good candidate for specialty contact lenses.
 

Next, corneal mapping (topography) is performed. This test generates a detailed map of the surface of your cornea, helping to identify any irregularities that could affect lens fit or visual clarity. For patients experiencing dry eye symptoms, a tear film assessment may be conducted. This allows your optometrist to choose lens materials and coatings that will support moisture retention and overall comfort.
 

During the lens trial and fitting, a trial lens is placed on your eye to evaluate how well it fits and how clearly you can see through it. Based on this evaluation, adjustments may be made to ensure a comfortable and precise fit tailored to your eye’s unique shape.
 

Finally, follow-up appointments are essential. Since specialty lenses are custom-designed, these visits help fine-tune the fit and make sure your eyes remain healthy and your vision is optimized over time.
 

Find the Perfect Fit at Texas State Optical

Specialty contact lenses offer life-changing benefits for those with specific eye conditions or vision challenges. Our optometrists are equipped with the technology and expertise needed to assess your vision needs and find the best lens solution for your lifestyle.
 

Schedule your contact lens exam and fitting at Texas State Optical and discover if specialty lenses are right for you. Contact our office in Cypress, Texas, by calling (281) 758-0008 or visiting tsocypress.com to book an appointment today.