When it comes to eyesight and eye health, no two people are ever the same. That’s why it’s crucial to visit an eye doctor who can develop a tailored treatment plan for your eye needs, as well as prescribe the best treatment for your eye disorders. At Fishman and Sheridan Eye Care Specialists in Leesburg, FL, our team wants to help you find the right solution for your eye disorders, including specialty contact lenses. Below is everything you need to know about how our ophthalmologist can help through custom contacts.

What are Specialty Contact Lenses?

A specialty contact lens is any type of contact lens that falls outside of the traditional soft lenses. This includes gas-permeable lenses, scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, and more. Specialty contact lenses are often prescribed to patients who have unique vision needs or disorders that can’t be corrected with regular contacts.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

The type of specialty contact lenses you’ll need will be based on your individual vision needs. Here are some of the most common types of specialty contact lenses that our ophthalmologist can prescribe:

  • Gas permeable lenses: Gas permeable lenses are rigid lenses that are made from a semi-permeable material. These lenses allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, which is essential for eye health. Gas-permeable lenses are often prescribed to patients who have astigmatism or keratoconus.
  • Scleral lenses: Scleral lenses are large-diameter contact lenses that cover the entire cornea and part of the white of the eye. They’re often prescribed to patients who have severely dry eyes, irregular corneas, or keratoconus.
  • Hybrid lenses: Hybrid lenses are a type of gas-permeable lens that has a soft skirt around the edge. This allows the lens to conform to the eye and provides comfort for those who have sensitive eyes. Hybrid lenses are often prescribed to patients who have astigmatism or keratoconus.

How Your Eye Doctor Will Prescribe the Right Lenses

Before prescribing any type of specialty contact lenses, our ophthalmologist will need to perform a comprehensive eye exam. This will help us determine your exact vision needs and what type of lenses will work best for you. We’ll also take into account your lifestyle and activities when prescribing contacts. For example, if you’re an athlete, we may recommend gas-permeable lenses because they provide better stability and won’t fall out as easily as soft lenses.

Find the Right Lenses For Your Eyes at Fishman and Sheridan Eye Care Specialists

If you’re interested in learning more about specialty contact lenses, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with our ophthalmologist, contact Fishman and Sheridan Eye Care Specialists today!