In the past, many people were unable to wear contact lenses, but today, that's no longer the case. There are specialty contacts that are suitable for people with eye conditions like astigmatism, dry eye, and keratoconus. Eyes On The Lake in Columbia, SC offers a variety of eye care solutions and can help you find contacts that meet your needs.
Types of Specialty Contacts
Soft Lenses
Soft lenses are made from pliable materials and are intended to conform to the eye's natural shape. These contacts are comfortable to wear, even for long stretches of time. Many soft lenses are made from oxygen-permeable materials like silicone hydrogel. When you wear these contacts, your cornea can still receive the oxygen it needs.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid lenses are made with harder, more durable materials. While these lenses aren't as comfortable as soft lenses, they're longer lasting and can stay firmly in place throughout the day. These contacts are smaller than standard lenses and don't cover the entire cornea. They're frequently recommended for people with severe astigmatism.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are similar to rigid lenses, but they're significantly larger. While contacts usually rest on the cornea, these lenses are large enough that they don't come into contact with the cornea at all. Instead, they rest on the sclera. People with sensitive corneas can benefit from wearing scleral lenses, as can people with irregular corneas.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine the properties of soft and rigid lenses. The outer portion of the lens is soft, but the center of the lens is made from a stiffer material. Similar to rigid lenses, these contacts can give the wearer sharp, clear vision, and they're more comfortable to wear. They may be suggested as an alternative to rigid lenses.
Contacts for Dry Eyes
Many issues can cause dry eye, including environmental factors and medical conditions like diabetes and blepharitis. Some types of contacts can make dry eye worse, but there are specialty contacts that can be comfortably worn by people with dry eyes. In fact, certain contacts may help relieve symptoms of dry eye.
Talk to Our Optometrist about Specialty Contacts
In recent years, there have been all kinds of advances in the field of optometry. Specialty lenses allow people with eye conditions to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses. Reach out to Eyes On The Lake in Columbia, SC if you have questions about contact lenses. Call our team today at (803) 233-1774 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.