Specialty Lenses: Advanced Contact Lens Options in Seattle, WA
Some people want more than regular contact lenses, especially when common vision issues hinder their activities of daily living. Specialty lenses are advanced contact lens options for unique visual needs that cannot always be corrected with regular lenses. At Spex in the City in Seattle, WA, patients looking for an eye doctor near you can get a chance to meet their unique needs with clear and comfortable vision through advanced eye care services offered by optometrist Dr. Raghuram and his team.
What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
Specialty contact lenses are lenses that have been made to fit specific problems that otherwise wouldn’t have been adequately corrected by standard contact lenses. Specialty lenses are recommended for patients with problems, including irregularly shaped corneas or higher prescriptions. Unlike regular contact lenses, specialty lenses are made to fit your eyes uniquely.
Types of Specialty Contact Lenses
1. Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a perfect sphere, causing blurred or distorted vision. Toric contact lenses have different powers in specific meridians to correct this irregular curvature, providing sharper vision for near and far distances.
2. Multifocal Lenses
As people age, they may experience difficulty focusing on close objects, a condition known as presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses offer multiple prescriptions in one lens, allowing the eye to see clearly at near, intermediate, and distance ranges without the need for reading glasses.
3. Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter rigid lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). They are especially helpful for:
- Keratoconus (a thinning, cone-shaped cornea)
- Irregular Corneas due to injury or surgery
- Severe Dry Eye patients who benefit from the tear reservoir these lenses create
4. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are firm lenses that maintain their shape on the eye, providing crisp vision and excellent oxygen permeability. They’re a strong option for those who need clear optics and are often used as an alternative to soft lenses.
5. Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer skirt. This design offers the sharp vision of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses; a balance that many patients find more comfortable and effective, especially for irregular corneas.
6. Therapeutic/ Bandage Lenses
These specialty lenses are used for therapeutic purposes to protect the cornea during healing. They may be recommended after certain eye surgeries or to help with persistent epithelial defects or ocular surface disease.
Personalized Eye Care in Seattle, WA
At Spex in the City, our optometrist, Dr. Raghuram, will assess your vision needs and lifestyle to choose the best lens options for you. Are you experiencing problems due to astigmatism, presbyopia, keratoconus, and other eye conditions? We are here to help. Contact our office today at (206) 526-2020 to schedule an appointment and find the contact lens solution that is right for you.