When it comes to vision correction, contact lenses offer a comfortable and convenient alternative to glasses. However, not everyone’s eyes are the same and for many people, traditional contact lenses just don’t cut it. If you’ve struggled with blurred vision, dry eyes, or trouble focusing at multiple distances, specialty contact lenses might be the answer you’ve been searching for.
 

Why Traditional Contact Lenses Fall Short

Standard soft contact lenses are designed for individuals with common refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). However, for those with unique eye shapes or specific vision needs such as astigmatism, chronic dry eye, or presbyopia, these lenses often fail to deliver the clarity and comfort required. Traditional lenses may not fit properly, can move around on the eye, or may not provide adequate moisture, leading to discomfort and subpar vision.
 

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

A successful experience with specialty contact lenses begins with a thorough contact lens exam and fitting. During your appointment at Complete Eyecare, your eye doctor will:

• Evaluate Your Vision and Eye Health: A detailed assessment will determine your prescription and check for any eye health concerns.

• Discuss Your Lifestyle and Needs: Your optometrist will ask about your daily activities, comfort requirements, and visual goals.

• Measure Your Eyes Precisely: Specialized instruments are used to measure the curvature and size of your cornea, ensuring an accurate lens fit.

• Trial Lens Fitting: You’ll try on different lenses to evaluate comfort, vision clarity, and eye health response.

This personalized approach ensures your lenses fit properly, offer maximum comfort, and deliver the best vision possible.
 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses for Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape, making it difficult for standard contacts to maintain proper alignment and deliver sharp vision. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are an excellent solution for this condition. Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses retain their shape on the eye, providing a smooth optical surface that corrects the irregular curvature. This design results in clearer, more stable vision and can often outperform traditional toric soft lenses for patients with moderate to severe astigmatism.
 

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses for Dry Eyes

If you have dry eyes, wearing contacts can be uncomfortable or even unbearable with standard lenses. Silicone hydrogel lenses are a breakthrough in lens technology, allowing more oxygen to reach the cornea and retaining moisture for longer periods. This helps reduce dryness, irritation, and redness, making contact lens wear much more comfortable for those prone to dry eyes. Silicone hydrogel materials are often the first recommendation for patients with dryness concerns.
 

Multifocal Lenses for Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a natural part of aging where the eye’s lens loses its ability to focus on near objects, making tasks like reading more challenging. Multifocal contact lenses are designed with multiple prescription zones, enabling you to see clearly at various distances (near, intermediate, and far) without the need for reading glasses. These lenses can be life-changing for anyone looking to maintain a glasses-free lifestyle as they age.
 

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you’ve struggled with traditional contacts due to astigmatism, dry eyes, or age-related vision changes, specialty contact lenses may be the ideal solution. Advances in contact lens technology have made it possible for more people than ever to enjoy clear, comfortable vision tailored to their unique needs.

Schedule a contact lens exam at Complete Eyecare and discover which specialty lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Blaine, Minnesota, or call (763) 220-2602 to book an appointment today.