Do I Need an Eye Exam for Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses can provide clearer, more comfortable vision for people who can’t wear standard contacts. However, these advanced lenses require more than a routine eye exam. A specialized evaluation is essential to ensure your lenses are properly fitted, safe, and effective.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses created to address unique vision needs or eye conditions that cannot be corrected comfortably or effectively with standard soft contact lenses. These lenses are often prescribed for patients with:

• Keratoconus

• Irregular corneas

• High astigmatism

• Severe dry eye

• Post-surgical corneal changes

• Vision issues not fully corrected by glasses or traditional contacts

Common types of specialty lenses include scleral lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid lenses, and custom soft lenses.

Why a Standard Eye Exam Isn’t Enough

A routine eye exam checks your overall eye health and determines your glasses or basic contact lens prescription. While this exam is important, specialty contact lenses require additional testing and measurements to ensure proper fit, comfort, and vision quality.

Specialty lenses sit differently on the eye and interact closely with the cornea. Even small inaccuracies can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, or potential eye health issues. That’s why a comprehensive specialty contact lens exam is necessary.

What Happens During a Specialty Contact Lens Exam?

A specialty contact lens exam is more in-depth and may take longer than a standard exam. During this visit, your eye doctor may:

• Perform detailed corneal measurements

• Use advanced imaging to map the shape of your cornea

• Evaluate tear film and eye surface health

• Assess how lenses fit and move on your eyes

• Make custom adjustments for optimal comfort and clarity

In many cases, trial lenses are used to fine-tune the fit before your final lenses are ordered.

The Benefits of a Specialty Contact Lens Exam

Scheduling the right exam helps ensure:

• Clear, stable vision

• Improved comfort throughout the day

• Reduced risk of eye irritation or complications

• Lenses tailored specifically to your eye shape and condition

For many patients, specialty contact lenses can be life-changing - but only when properly prescribed and fitted.

Experience Expert Specialty Contact Lens Care

If you’re considering specialty contact lenses or have been struggling with traditional contacts or glasses, a specialized eye exam is essential. These exams go beyond routine vision testing to provide a customized solution designed for your unique eyes. With the right evaluation and expertise, specialty contact lenses can dramatically improve both your vision and comfort.

If you think specialty contact lenses may be right for you, schedule a contact lens exam with Atlanta Eye Group and personalized care to help you achieve your best possible vision. Visit our offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Kennesaw, Georgia, or call (772) 272-9470 to book an appointment today.