Specialty Contact Lenses

What are specialty contact lenses? 

Specialty contact lenses are specifically designed for people who cannot wear standard contacts. The specific type of specialty contact lens a person needs will vary depending on their unique needs and eye health. We offer several types of specialty contact lenses, and our doctors are contact lens specialists. Our optometrists will work with you to find the best type that provides you with clear, comfortable vision.  

Rigid gas permeable lenses 

Also called RGP lenses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses allow a high quantity of oxygen to reach your eye, thereby letting eyes breathe. They are harder and more durable than soft contact lenses and provide sharper vision correction. RGP lenses are often a preferred choice for people with high astigmatism, high visual demands, or a vision prescription that requires multifocals. 

Scleral lenses  

Though they are also a type of rigid gas permeable lens, scleral lenses tend to be more comfortable than regular RGP lenses. Scleral lenses are larger and rest on the sclera, which is a less sensitive part of the eye than the cornea.  

• For patients with keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea is thinner than normal and bulges outward into a cone shape, standard soft contacts may not sit well and therefore scleral lenses can be a great alternative.  

• Patients with dry eye may also benefit from wearing scleral lenses, because the lenses are made to vault over the surface of the eye, and this space acts a reservoir for tear film, which keeps the eyes moist and comfortable and alleviates the symptoms caused by dry eye.  

Fitting for specialty contact lenses   

At Omaha Primary Eye Care, we can help you determine what contact lenses you need. Our optometrists are experienced in determining which contact lenses are best for you based on your eye health, visual needs, and lifestyle.  

At a contact lens exam, we will evaluate a range of metrics and eye health markers, including your cornea shape and size and corrective vision needs. Once our doctors have gathered the information needed to gain a better understanding of your eyes, they will offer recommendations on specialty contact lenses that may be right for you. A specialty contact lens fitting will follow to ensure that your contacts rest correctly on your eyes and provide you with clear vision and a fit that feels comfortable. 

If you are interested in learning if specialty contact lenses may be right for you, contact Omaha Primary EyeCare to schedule an appointment for your specialty contact lens consultation.