Ask The Eye Doctor: Specialty Contact Lens Options Explained

Contact lenses have come a long way from their original designs, offering vision correction for a much wider range of needs. For those who have been told they’re “hard to fit,” have unique vision challenges, or simply want the best comfort and clarity, specialty contact lenses may be the answer. At Atlanta Eye Group, our doctors are here to help you understand your options and find the perfect fit for your eyes and lifestyle.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed to address specific vision conditions that standard lenses can’t always correct. They are often recommended for patients with complex prescriptions, irregular corneas, or certain eye health concerns. These lenses offer improved comfort, vision, and sometimes even eye health benefits over standard lenses.

Who Needs Specialty Contact Lenses?

You may be a candidate for specialty contact lenses if you:
 

• Have been diagnosed with keratoconus or corneal irregularities

• Have high levels of astigmatism or unique prescription needs

• Struggle with dry eye symptoms in regular lenses

• Have difficulty finding contacts that fit comfortably

• Want to manage myopia progression in children

A thorough eye exam and fitting is the best way to determine which lens is right for you.

Toric Contact Lenses

Toric lenses are designed for people with astigmatism, a condition where the cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball. These lenses have unique designs that correct for both nearsightedness or farsightedness and the additional distortion caused by astigmatism.

Multifocal and Bifocal Contact Lenses

If you’re dealing with presbyopia (the age-related loss of near vision), multifocal and bifocal lenses provide clear vision at multiple distances. These lenses can help you see clearly up close, at a distance, and everything in between, without the need for reading glasses.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contacts and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) instead of the cornea. They are ideal for patients with irregular corneas, keratoconus, or severe dry eyes, providing excellent stability, comfort, and vision.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are made of firm, durable material that allows oxygen to pass through. They are often recommended for people with high prescriptions, keratoconus, or those who have not achieved good vision with soft lenses. These lenses can offer superior clarity and are custom-fit for each eye.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, temporarily correcting nearsightedness. These lenses are especially popular for children and teens as a non-surgical option to slow the progression of myopia.

Custom Soft Lenses

Some eyes need a soft lens made to precise measurements, such as for patients with unusually shaped corneas or very high prescriptions. Custom soft lenses can offer a solution when standard sizes don’t provide comfort or clarity.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Specialty contact lenses can make a world of difference for those who thought contact lenses weren’t an option or who need a higher level of vision correction. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a comfortable, clear vision - no matter how unique your eyes may be.

Schedule an eye exam with the doctors at Atlanta Eye Group to discover the best specialty contact lens options for your vision and lifestyle needs. Visit our offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Kennesaw, Georgia, or call (772) 272-9470 to book an appointment today.