Contact lenses are an essential vision correction tool for millions of people. However, standard contact lenses aren't always the best solution for everyone. Some individuals have specific eye conditions that require more advanced options. In these cases, specialty contact lenses can provide the necessary correction and comfort that traditional lenses cannot offer. If you are searching for an optometrist near you in the Albuquerque, NM area, our knowledgeable and friendly team at Eyes of NM Family Optometry is here to meet all your eye care needs.
Understanding Specialty Contact Lenses
Specialty contact lenses are designed to address unique vision problems that cannot be effectively corrected with regular lenses. These lenses are tailored to the individual’s specific needs, providing a customized solution for better vision and overall eye health. The type of specialty contact lens you need will depend on the nature of your vision issue, as well as your eye shape and health.
Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses are a type of specialty lens that is larger in diameter than standard contact lenses. They rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than directly on the cornea. This design helps to create a tear-filled vault over the cornea, which is particularly beneficial for people with dry eyes or corneal irregularities. Scleral lenses are also used to treat conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to distorted vision.
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for people with astigmatism, a condition where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision. Unlike standard lenses, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens, allowing them to correct the refractive error caused by astigmatism. These lenses come in both soft and rigid gas-permeable forms and can also be used to correct presbyopia or keratoconus.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses are another type of specialty lens designed for individuals who have both nearsightedness and farsightedness, often due to age-related presbyopia. These lenses have multiple zones of vision correction within the same lens, allowing wearers to see clearly at various distances without the need for bifocals or reading glasses. Multifocal lenses are available in both soft and rigid gas-permeable materials and are suitable for a wide range of patients.
Contact Us for Your Vision Care Needs
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our optometry professionals. Let Eyes of NM Family Optometry in Albuquerque be your trusted partner in eye health and vision care. We look forward to helping you see better and live better.