Types of Specialty Contact Lenses Explained

For some patients, standard soft contact lenses do not provide the comfort, clarity, or stability they need. Specialty contact lenses are designed for eyes that may be more complex due to dry eye, keratoconus, corneal irregularities, high prescriptions, or trouble wearing traditional contacts. At Tree City Eyecare in Boise, specialty contact lens fittings are personalized to help patients find a lens option that supports clearer, more comfortable vision.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom or advanced lenses made to fit unique eye shapes and vision needs. Unlike standard contacts, these lenses require a more detailed fitting process. Our eye doctors evaluate the shape of your cornea, tear film, prescription, eye health, and comfort needs before recommending the best option. These lenses can be helpful for patients who have been told they are “hard to fit” or who have not had success with regular contact lenses in the past.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger lenses that rest on the white part of the eye instead of directly on the cornea. They vault over the corneal surface, creating a fluid-filled space that can improve comfort and provide stable vision.

Scleral lenses may be recommended for patients with keratoconus, corneal scarring, severe dry eye, corneal transplants, or irregular corneas. Because they stay stable on the eye, they can also be a strong option for patients who need sharper, more consistent vision throughout the day.

Orthokeratology Lenses

Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid lenses worn while sleeping. These lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, allowing many patients to see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contacts.

Ortho-K is often used for myopia management in children and may also be an option for some adults who want daytime freedom from corrective lenses. A proper fitting and regular follow-up visits are important to ensure the lenses are working safely and effectively.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer skirt. The rigid center helps provide crisp vision, while the soft edge is designed to improve comfort. These lenses can be helpful for patients who need the clarity of a gas permeable lens but have struggled with the feel of traditional rigid contacts.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to help patients see at multiple distances, including near, intermediate, and far. They are often used for adults with presbyopia, which is the natural age-related change that makes close-up vision more difficult.

Specialty multifocal lenses may be customized for patients who need more than a standard contact lens prescription.

When Specialty Contacts May Be Recommended

Your eye doctor may suggest specialty contact lenses if you experience:

• Blurry or unstable vision with regular contacts
• Keratoconus or an irregular cornea
• Dryness or discomfort with soft lenses
• A high or complex prescription
• Difficulty getting a proper contact lens fit
• Interest in Ortho-K or myopia control options

Find the Right Specialty Contact Lenses In Boise

A custom fitting helps ensure the lens sits properly, supports healthy oxygen flow, provides clear vision, and feels comfortable during daily wear. Our optometrists use advanced measurements and follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit and make adjustments as needed. With the right fitting, many patients can enjoy clearer vision, improved comfort, and more confidence in their daily routine.

Schedule a contact lens exam with Tree City Eyecare to learn more about specialty contact lenses and find the option that best fits your vision, comfort, and eye health needs. Visit our office in Boise, Idaho, call (208) 375-3871 to book your appointment today.