For many patients, standard soft contact lenses simply can't deliver the vision quality or comfort they need. Whether the cause is an irregular cornea, high astigmatism, keratoconus, or a history of eye surgery, specialty contact lenses are designed to succeed where conventional lenses fall short. At Eyecare Optometry of Redondo Beach, we offer a full range of specialty lens options fitted by experienced practitioners.
Who Needs Specialty Lenses?
Specialty lenses are often recommended for patients with:
- Keratoconus — A progressive thinning of the cornea that distorts vision in ways that glasses and soft lenses cannot fully correct
- High or irregular astigmatism — Beyond the range of standard toric soft lenses
- Post-surgical corneas — After LASIK, RK, or corneal transplant, the corneal shape may be too irregular for standard lenses
- Dry eye with contact lens intolerance — Certain specialty designs vault over the cornea entirely, preserving the natural tear layer
- Anisometropia — A large difference in prescription between the two eyes
Types of Specialty Lenses We Fit
- Scleral lenses — Large-diameter rigid lenses that rest on the sclera (white of the eye), vaulting over the cornea and creating a fluid reservoir for unmatched optical clarity and comfort
- Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses — Custom-fitted rigid lenses that provide sharper optics than soft lenses, particularly for irregular corneas
- Hybrid lenses — A rigid center surrounded by a soft skirt, combining the optics of an RGP with the comfort of a soft lens
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) — Worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing glasses-free vision during the day
Fitting specialty lenses is a skilled process that involves corneal mapping, multiple trial fittings, and close follow-up. Our doctors have extensive experience helping patients who have struggled with vision correction elsewhere find comfortable, clear solutions. Contact us to discuss whether specialty lenses are right for you.