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Contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction, offering an alternative to glasses for millions of people worldwide. While standard contact lenses work well for many individuals, others may require specialty lenses to address specific vision issues. In this blog post, we'll explore different types of specialty contact lenses, such as toric, multifocal, and scleral lenses, and discuss how these options are evaluated and fitted during an eye exam. By understanding the various options available, you can make informed decisions about your vision correction needs.

Toric Contact Lenses: Correcting Astigmatism

Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, a common vision condition caused by irregularly shaped corneas or lenses. Toric lenses, unlike traditional spherical contact lenses, feature varying powers across different connection points to address the eye's irregular shape effectively. During an eye exam, your optometrist will measure the curvature of your cornea and assess the degree and axis of your astigmatism to determine the correct prescription for toric lenses.

Multifocal Contact Lenses: Addressing Presbyopia

With aging, your eyes may gradually lose the ability to focus on near objects, a condition referred to as presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses are designed to address this issue by providing clear vision at multiple distances, allowing wearers to see both near and far objects without the need for reading glasses. During an eye exam, your optometrist will assess your vision to determine the appropriate prescription for multifocal lenses, taking into account factors such as pupil size and visual demands.

Scleral Contact Lenses: Managing Irregular Corneas

Scleral contact lenses are expansive lenses that arch over the entire cornea, resting on the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. These lenses are often used to manage vision issues caused by irregular corneas, such as keratoconus or corneal scarring. During an eye exam, your optometrist will evaluate the shape and condition of your corneas using specialized instruments and may use computerized mapping techniques to create custom-fit scleral lenses tailored to your unique eye anatomy.

Specialty contact lenses offer personalized solutions for a wide range of vision issues, from astigmatism and presbyopia to irregular corneas. During an eye exam, your optometrist will assess your vision and eye health to determine the most suitable type of specialty lenses for your needs. By understanding the options available and actively participating in the fitting process, you can achieve clear, comfortable vision with specialty contact lenses tailored to your unique eye anatomy. If you're considering specialty contact lenses, don't hesitate to schedule an eye exam with a qualified optometrist who can guide you through the evaluation and fitting process.

Contact a local service, such as Salem Hills Family Eyecare, to learn more.