Many people think of contact lenses as something simple. But for patients with irregular corneas, such as keratoconus, post-surgical changes, scarring, or other corneal conditions, traditional soft lenses and glasses often fall short. Thankfully, specialty contact lenses offer clarity and comfort tailored to eyes that need them most.
What Does “Irregular Cornea” Mean?
An irregular cornea isn’t perfectly rounded. It may be cone-shaped (like in keratoconus), warped by prior surgery, or scarred from injury or disease. When the cornea’s shape deviates from normal, traditional contact lenses and glasses can’t properly match the eye’s optics, leading to blurred, distorted, or unstable vision.
Specialty Contact Lens Options
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are firm, oxygen-permeable contacts that act as a smooth optical surface in front of an irregular cornea, dramatically improving vision in many patients who can’t be adequately corrected with soft lenses.
Scleral Lenses
These lenses are larger than traditional contacts and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) while vaulting over the cornea. This design creates a smooth optical surface and offers several key benefits:
- Sharper, more stable vision: Because the lens doesn’t conform to the corneal surface, it neutralizes irregularities and creates a uniform surface for light to focus properly.
- Increased comfort: Scleral lenses fit on the sclera and maintain a layer of fluid against the cornea, reducing irritation and dryness.
- Hydration and protection: The fluid-filled space between the back surface of the lens and the cornea keeps it hydrated and protected. This is especially beneficial for patients with dry eye or corneal disease.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center (for crisp vision) with a soft outer skirt (for added comfort).
Custom Soft Lenses
For mild irregularities, custom soft contact lenses with special designs offer improved comfort with better visual performance than standard soft lenses.
What to Expect with a Specialty Lens Fitting
A specialty contact lens fitting is a collaborative and highly personalized process, often including:
- Comprehensive exam and corneal imaging: Detailed measurements map the precise shape of your eye.
- Trial lens evaluation: Lens designs are tested to find the best match for your vision and comfort.
- Customization: Your lenses are ordered or refined based on how the diagnostic lenses perform.
- Follow-up visits: A few visits may be needed to finalize the fit and to check vision and comfort.
Have Questions About Your Vision? We’re Here to Help
If you’ve struggled to achieve clear, comfortable vision with glasses or regular contact lenses, specialty lenses may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our experienced team at Premier Vision Group can guide you through your options, so you can see and live your best. Call us today to schedule a specialty lens evaluation.