While contact lenses are handy for most people, some people are considered “hard-to-fit” these lenses due to certain eye conditions, shapes or post-surgical states. In today’s post from optometrist clinic Vienne Eyecare Center are several reasons why your lenses might need customization and personalization to suit your needs.
Understanding the Challenges with Dry Eyes and Contact Lenses
Dry Eye Syndrome, prevalent in many, makes contact lens wear challenging due to reduced tear production or tear film instability. This condition leads to discomfort, irritation and sometimes blurred vision while wearing contact lenses. Solutions include using specialized contact lenses designed for dry eyes, such as soft contacts with materials that retain moisture and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, which hold moisture beneath the lens.
Navigating Contact Lens Solutions for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by an irregular cornea shape, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Traditional soft lenses often cannot correct the visual distortions caused by astigmatism due to their uniform shape. Toric lenses, both in soft and RGP varieties, are custom-made to accommodate these irregularities, providing clearer vision by correcting the specific refraction errors caused by the condition.
Post-Surgical Eyes: Finding the Right Fit
Patients who have undergone LASIK or other refractive surgery may sometimes face challenges with standard contact lenses due to changes in the eye’s surface. Your eye doctor might recommend RGP as it will sit atop your cornea and offer clear vision despite your eyes’ post-surgical irregularities.
Bifocals and Multifocals: A Solution for Presbyopia
As we age, our eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on close objects, a condition known as presbyopia. Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses offer a solution by providing different lens powers for distance and near vision correction in the same lens, catering to the unique requirements of presbyopic patients who prefer contacts over glasses.
Special Considerations for Keratoconus
Keratoconus, characterized by a thinning and bulging cornea, presents a significant fitting challenge for standard contact lenses. RGP and especially scleral lenses are beneficial for keratoconus patients. These lenses vault over the cornea, providing a stable fit, improved vision, and comfort by preventing the lens from rubbing against the sensitive cornea.
For expert eye care in Fairfax, VA, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Vienna Eyecare Center. We’re always here for you. Call us at (703) 938-7633 or fill out this contact form to get started.
