The Most Common Conditions Treated With Specialty Lenses

While standard soft lenses work well for many patients, some eye conditions require a more customized approach to deliver clear, comfortable vision. Specialty contact lenses are designed for patients with irregular corneas, chronic dryness, or other unique visual challenges that can’t be addressed with traditional lenses.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is one of the most common conditions treated with specialty lenses. This progressive eye disease causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, distorting vision. Standard lenses often can’t conform to this irregular shape, resulting in poor vision and discomfort.
Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and create a smooth optical surface, providing sharper vision and better comfort.

Post-Surgical or Post-Injury Corneas

Patients who have undergone corneal surgeries like LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplants may experience changes in corneal shape that make standard lenses ineffective. Similarly, scarring from injury or infection can lead to irregular corneas. Scleral and custom rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are often recommended in these cases, restoring visual clarity by masking corneal irregularities and maintaining a stable fit.

Severe Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye can make wearing standard contact lenses difficult or even painful. Scleral lenses provide a unique solution because they vault over the cornea and hold a layer of hydrating fluid between the lens and the eye. This reservoir keeps the surface moist throughout the day, offering significant relief for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens inside the eye has an irregular curvature, causing blurred or distorted vision. While many people with mild astigmatism can wear toric soft lenses, those with high or irregular astigmatism may benefit from specialty lenses such as hybrid or scleral lenses that provide a more stable and precise fit.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia can also be addressed using specialty lenses. Multifocal contact lenses are designed with zones for both near and distance vision, helping patients see clearly at all ranges without constantly switching between glasses.

Corneal Ectasia and Other Irregularities

Corneal ectasia and similar irregular corneal conditions can cause unpredictable vision and discomfort. Specialty lenses help restore a smooth refractive surface, often improving both visual acuity and quality of life for these patients.

Find the Right Specialty Lenses for You in Stone Oak

Specialty contact lenses open up new possibilities for patients who once struggled to achieve clear, comfortable vision. From keratoconus to chronic dry eye, these lenses are custom-designed to address complex vision needs and protect long-term ocular health.

If you’re struggling with poor vision or discomfort, schedule a consultation with Eyes of San Antonio to learn if specialty lenses are right for you. We proudly serve eye care in Stone Oak, San Antonio, TX, call us at (210) 366-1021 to book an appointment today.