Some patients have trouble wearing ordinary contact lenses because their eyes are hard to fit. The following conditions can make contact lens fitting challenging: dry eyes, keratoconus, astigmatism, presbyopia and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Wearing contact lenses after a LASIK surgery can also be difficult. Fortunately, there are specialty contact lenses available. Guilford Eye Center, your local eye care center, explains the differences between these options:
RGP Lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of durable plastic, and they are able to transmit oxygen to the eyes. RGP lenses can be made larger than the previous hard contact lenses made of poly methyl methacrylate. This makes RGP lenses more comfortable and secure. RGP lenses also provide better vision, deposit resistance and durability. RGP lenses are good for individuals who have presbyopia, keratoconus or astigmatism.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral contact lenses are perfect for patients who are suffering from keratoconus. The bulging of the corneal surface caused by keratoconus makes it impossible for an ordinary contact lens to fit properly. Scleral contact lenses are larger than ordinary lenses, which mean that they rest on the white sclera of the eye and not on the cornea. Guilford Eye Center suggests these contact lenses for patients who want stable contact lenses.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses are large diameter lenses that have a peripheral zone made of silicone hydrogel material and a central zone that is rigid gas permeable. This hybrid design provides the visual clarity of rigid gas permeable lenses and the wearing comfort of soft contact lenses. Hybrid lenses can correct astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. There are also special hybrid contact lenses for patients with keratoconus.
Guilford Eye Center can prescribe high-quality contact lenses and eyeglasses, provide LipiFlow® treatment and more. We use the latest technologies to help our patients maintain their vision and improve their eye health. We also carry top-of-the-line brands. Call us at (336) 387-6777 to learn more about our services and products. We serve patients in High Point, NC, and nearby areas.
