Our Services
Specialty Contact Lenses
Every patient—and every eye—is different. Specialty contact lenses provide clear, comfortable vision when conventional contacts are unsuitable or irritating.
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A Lens for Every Unique Eye
Corneal abnormalities can prevent conventional lenses from sitting comfortably on the eye. Other eye conditions may make standard contacts uncomfortable or irritating. Specialty contact lenses are unconventional designs created for patients whose eyes are not well served by regular contacts.
These lenses may help people with dry eye syndrome, corneal scarring, keratoconus, strabismus, previous eye injuries, peripheral corneal thinning disorders, irregular corneas, or intolerance to other contact lenses.
Your Inland Family Optometry doctor will evaluate your eyes and visual needs to determine whether a specialty lens is appropriate and which design offers the best combination of clarity, stability, hydration, and comfort.
Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses
RGP lenses are made from an oxygen-permeable material that helps the eye remain hydrated. Their firm, stable shape can provide sharper vision and help minimize the visual effects of certain corneal abnormalities.
Scleral Contact Lenses
These large-diameter lenses rest on the sclera—the white of the eye—and vault over the cornea. The space beneath the lens holds a fluid reservoir that can support comfort for dry eyes and accommodate irregularities such as keratoconus.
Limbal-Fit Contact Lenses
Limbal lenses fall between RGP and scleral lenses in size. Their larger diameter can improve stability while minimizing interference from the eyelids to support comfortable, clear vision.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
A rigid gas-permeable center delivers stable, crisp optics and holds a layer of tears over the cornea, while a soft outer skirt avoids the firm edge sensation associated with a fully rigid lens.
Simplified illustrations, not to scale. Individual lens designs vary.
Who Benefits from Specialty Contact Lenses
Dry eye syndrome
Corneal scarring or irregular corneas
Keratoconus and other corneal ectasias
Strabismus, when a specialty lens is recommended
Previous injury to the eye
Peripheral corneal thinning disorders
Intolerance to conventional contact lenses
Post-surgical corneas or irregular astigmatism
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might regular contact lenses not work for me?
Every eye has a different shape and health history. Corneal abnormalities can keep a conventional lens from sitting correctly, while dry eye and other conditions can make standard lenses irritating or uncomfortable.
How do scleral lenses help dry or irregular eyes?
A scleral lens vaults over rather than touching the cornea. The space between the cornea and lens can hold tear fluid for hydration while accommodating corneal irregularities such as the bulging associated with keratoconus.
What is the difference between RGP, limbal, scleral, and hybrid lenses?
RGP lenses are smaller, firm oxygen-permeable lenses. Limbal lenses are larger for added stability. Scleral lenses vault the cornea and rest on the white of the eye. Hybrid lenses combine a rigid optical center with a soft outer skirt.
How long does a specialty fitting take?
Specialty fittings involve detailed corneal mapping and often multiple refinement visits over a few weeks to perfect the fit.
I was told I can't wear contacts. Can you help?
A specialty design may provide another option. Your doctor will examine your eyes and recommend the lens type best suited to your individual requirements.
Should I wear my current lenses to a specialty lens consultation?
Ask the office before your visit because some corneal measurements may require time out of lenses. Bring your current lenses, cases, solutions, and prior lens information so the doctor can review what has and has not worked for you.
Is caring for a scleral lens different from a soft lens?
Yes. Scleral lenses require specific cleaning, disinfection, filling, insertion, and removal steps. Your care team will teach the routine recommended for your lens and eye health; contact the office if you develop pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, or reduced vision.
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If standard lenses have failed you, don't give up — a specialty fitting may change everything.
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