Specialty Contacts

Standard soft contact lenses work well for many patients, but some eyes need a more customized approach. Irregular corneal shape, certain eye conditions, previous eye surgery, high prescriptions, or difficulty wearing conventional contacts can make it harder to achieve clear and comfortable vision with traditional lenses.

At InnoVision Optometry, we provide specialty contact lens evaluations for patients with more complex vision and fitting needs. Dr. Su takes the time to evaluate your eyes, understand what has and has not worked in the past, and recommend a lens option based on your vision, comfort, and eye health.
 

Who May Benefit From Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses may be helpful for patients with:

• Keratoconus or other corneal irregularities

• Irregular astigmatism

• Corneal scarring

• Changes in corneal shape after eye surgery

• High or complex prescriptions

• Difficulty achieving clear vision with glasses

• Previous difficulty wearing conventional contact lenses

• Existing specialty lenses that no longer provide the vision or comfort they once did
   

You do not need to know what type of specialty lens you need before scheduling your evaluation. Part of the fitting process is determining which lens design is most appropriate for your eyes.
 

Specialty Contact Lens Options

Depending on your eye shape, prescription, eye health, and visual needs, Dr. Su may recommend one of several specialty lens designs.
 

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger rigid lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white portion of the eye, called the sclera.

The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with fluid, creating a smooth optical surface in front of the eye. This can provide clearer and more stable vision for patients whose corneal shape makes glasses or traditional contact lenses less effective.

Scleral lenses may be considered for patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, certain post-surgical corneas, or other difficult contact lens fits.
 

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid gas permeable, or RGP, lenses are smaller rigid lenses that maintain their shape on the eye.

Because the lens creates a smooth optical surface over the cornea, RGP lenses can provide very clear vision for some patients with astigmatism, keratoconus, or other corneal irregularities.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer portion.

The rigid center is designed to provide clear, stable vision while the surrounding soft skirt may provide a wearing experience that feels more familiar to patients accustomed to soft contact lenses.
 

Specialty Soft Contact Lenses

Some patients with higher prescriptions, unusual amounts of astigmatism, or other complex vision needs may benefit from customized soft contact lenses.

Not every difficult prescription requires a rigid lens. Your evaluation helps us determine which options are most appropriate for you.
 

What to Expect During a Specialty Contact Lens Evaluation

A specialty contact lens fitting usually requires more evaluation and follow-up than a routine contact lens exam.

Your visit begins with a review of your vision, prescription, eye health, previous contact lens experience, and what you would like to improve.

Dr. Su will carefully evaluate the front surface of your eyes and the shape of your cornea. When appropriate, corneal topography and other measurements may be used to better understand the shape of your eyes and guide the fitting process.

Diagnostic lenses may also be placed on the eye when appropriate so we can evaluate the fit, vision, and your response to the lens.
 

Customized Lens Fitting

Specialty contact lenses are often individually selected or customized rather than simply taken from a standard contact lens prescription.

Once the appropriate lens design and measurements have been determined, your lenses are ordered for you. At follow-up visits, Dr. Su will evaluate how the lenses fit, how well you see, and how your eyes respond to wearing them.

Adjustments may sometimes be needed before the fitting is finalized.

Our goal is to find a lens that provides the best practical combination of vision, comfort, and a healthy fit for your eyes.
 

Specialty Contact Lenses for Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes thinner and develops a more irregular shape. As the cornea changes, glasses and conventional soft contact lenses may no longer provide the clarity a patient needs.

Specialty lenses such as scleral or RGP lenses can create a smoother optical surface in front of the irregular cornea and may provide better vision than glasses for some patients.

Specialty contact lenses are used to improve vision but do not stop keratoconus from progressing. Patients with progressive keratoconus may also need evaluation by an ophthalmologist or corneal specialist for treatment of the underlying condition.

If another eye doctor is involved in your care, we can communicate relevant fitting findings and visual outcomes with that provider as appropriate.
 

Already Wearing Specialty Contact Lenses?

We also see patients who already wear RGP, hybrid, scleral, or other specialty lenses but need a new fitting.

Your eyes, prescription, and lens needs can change over time. If an older lens is no longer providing the same vision or comfort, Dr. Su can evaluate your current lenses and determine whether a change in fit, prescription, or lens design may be helpful.

If you have previous specialty lenses, bring them with you to your appointment along with any previous prescriptions or relevant eye records that are available.
 

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up is an important part of specialty contact lens fitting.

Once you begin wearing your lenses, we will evaluate your vision, comfort, lens position, and the health of your eyes. This allows Dr. Su to make adjustments when needed before the fitting is finalized.

We will also review proper insertion, removal, cleaning, and care of your lenses so you feel comfortable managing them at home.
 

Schedule a Specialty Contact Lens Evaluation

If glasses or conventional contact lenses are not providing the vision or comfort you need, specialty contact lenses may give you additional options.

Schedule a Specialty Contact Lens Evaluation at InnoVision Optometry in Rowland Heights. Dr. Su will evaluate your eyes and help determine which contact lens options may be appropriate for your individual needs.