​​​​​​​Contact lenses are a great option for people who have a prescription, but want freedom from wearing glasses all the time. Every patient is different and so are their eyes. This means that there needs to be different types of contact lenses to suit each individual. Over the years, the technology in the contact lens industry has greatly improved for all types of vision needs - including near-sighted, far-sighted, astigmatism, myopia control, and even multifocals (for those who’s “arms aren’t long enough” anymore). There are also specialty contact lenses for those with eye conditions that make wearing standard contact lenses more challenging.


Dr. Cole and Dr. Dodd take their time to work with each patient to determine which contact lens option will best address their unique vision issue. They work with all contact lens manufacturer and utilize corneal mapping (topography) and optical coherence tomography to provide the very best contact lens fit.


Some patients might benefit from specialty contact lenses, especially those who:

• have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome
• have corneal scarring
• have been diagnosed with keratoconus
• have suffered an injury to the eye
• are intolerant to other types of lenses
  
  

Dr. Cole and/or Dr. Dodd will be able to tell you if you need specialty contact lenses and if so, which lenses would be best based on your individual requirements.


Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses


Also known as RGP lenses, these are made from a special, rigid material that allows oxygen to pass through them and reach the surface of the eyes. This helps to keep the eyes hydrated and comfortable, making these lenses easier to wear, especially for patients who suffer from dry eyes. Due to their material, RGPs can be much more stable and secure on the eyes so that patients can enjoy sharper vision. They also help the cornea to maintain its shape, which helps to minimize the effects of some corneal abnormalities.


Scleral Contact Lenses


Scleral lenses are similar to RGPs, but much larger in diameter. This size difference means that the edges of the contact lens fall on a white part of the eye, called the sclera, rather than the cornea. Scleral lenses are also different in that they vault over the surface of the cornea rather than touching it, leaving a space between the front surface of the eye and the back of the contact lens. This makes scleral lenses a good choice for patients with dry eyes and corneal abnormalities such as keratoconus.

For more information about contact lenses, don’t hesitate to speak to our dedicated eye care team. If you would like to schedule a contact lens examination, please call our office at 360-449-3937.