Welcome to Advanced Contact Lens Solutions
At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, we understand that not everyone's vision needs can be met with standard contact lenses. That's why we specialize in Invisalens and other specialty contact lenses designed for patients with complex prescriptions, irregular corneas, or unique visual requirements.
Dr. Page has extensive experience fitting specialty contact lenses and has helped countless patients achieve clear, comfortable vision when standard lenses couldn't provide satisfactory results.
What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses that go beyond standard soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. They're engineered to address specific vision challenges and corneal irregularities that make conventional contact lenses ineffective or uncomfortable.
These advanced lenses can correct a wide range of vision problems and provide solutions for patients who have been told they can't wear contact lenses successfully.
Who Benefits from Specialty Contact Lenses?
Specialty contact lenses are ideal for patients with:
- Keratoconus: Progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea
- Post-LASIK or PRK complications: Irregular corneas following refractive surgery
- Corneal scarring or irregularities: From injury, infection, or disease
- High astigmatism: Severe corneal astigmatism that standard lenses can't correct
- Presbyopia: Age-related near vision loss requiring multifocal correction
- Severe dry eyes: Chronic dryness making standard lenses uncomfortable
- Post-corneal transplant: Irregular corneal shape after transplant surgery
- Pellucid marginal degeneration: Thinning of the lower cornea
- High refractive errors: Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis: Chronic eye irritation from contact lenses
Types of Specialty Contact Lenses We Fit
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). They're among the most comfortable and effective specialty lenses available.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses:
- Exceptional comfort due to minimal contact with the cornea
- Excellent vision correction for irregular corneas
- Built-in moisture reservoir helps with dry eyes
- Stable on the eye with minimal movement
- Protection for diseased or damaged corneas
- Suitable for sports and active lifestyles
Ideal for: Keratoconus, post-surgical irregularities, severe dry eye, corneal scarring
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are smaller hard lenses that provide crisp, clear vision by creating a smooth optical surface over irregular corneas.
Benefits of RGP Lenses:
- Superior optical quality and vision clarity
- Durable and long-lasting (1-2 years typically)
- Allow oxygen flow to the cornea
- Correct high astigmatism effectively
- Resist protein and lipid deposits
Ideal for: High astigmatism, keratoconus (early stages), sharp vision requirements
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable center for clear vision with a soft outer skirt for enhanced comfort—the best of both worlds.
Benefits of Hybrid Lenses:
- Sharp vision like RGP lenses
- Comfort comparable to soft lenses
- Stable positioning on the eye
- Less likelihood of dislodging during activities
- Easier adaptation than pure RGP lenses
Ideal for: Patients who want RGP vision quality with soft lens comfort, irregular astigmatism
Multifocal and Bifocal Contact Lenses
These lenses provide multiple focal points to correct both distance and near vision, perfect for presbyopia.
Benefits:
- See clearly at all distances without reading glasses
- Available in soft, RGP, and scleral designs
- Customizable for your specific visual needs
- Natural vision transition between distances
Ideal for: Presbyopia patients over 40 who want to reduce glasses dependence
Toric Contact Lenses
Specially designed lenses that correct astigmatism with different powers in different meridians.
Benefits:
- Clear vision for astigmatism
- Available in soft, RGP, and specialty designs
- Custom parameters for high astigmatism
- Stable orientation for consistent vision
Ideal for: Astigmatism, especially high or irregular astigmatism
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses
Specialized rigid lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without lenses.
Benefits:
- Freedom from daytime lenses or glasses
- Reversible corneal reshaping
- May slow myopia progression in children
- Ideal for sports and active lifestyles
Ideal for: Myopia control in children, adults who can't wear daytime lenses
Piggyback Lens Systems
A combination approach using a soft lens as a cushion beneath a rigid lens for enhanced comfort.
Benefits:
- Improves comfort for RGP lens wearers
- Provides cushioning for sensitive eyes
- Maintains excellent vision quality
- Good option for difficult-to-fit eyes
Ideal for: Patients who can't tolerate standard RGP lenses, irregular corneas
Our Specialty Lens Fitting Process
Fitting specialty contact lenses requires expertise, precision, and patience. Here's what you can expect:
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation
- Detailed eye examination and health assessment
- Corneal topography to map your cornea's unique shape
- Measurement of corneal curvature and diameter
- Assessment of tear film and dry eye status
- Discussion of your visual needs and lifestyle
Step 2: Lens Selection
- Review of the best lens options for your specific needs
- Explanation of benefits and care requirements
- Discussion of expected outcomes and adaptation period
- Custom lens ordering based on your measurements
Step 3: Initial Fitting
- Trial with diagnostic lenses to assess fit and vision
- Evaluation of lens movement, centering, and comfort
- Vision testing with lenses in place
- Adjustments and refinements as needed
Step 4: Training and Adaptation
- Thorough instruction on lens insertion and removal
- Education about proper lens care and cleaning
- Discussion of wearing schedule and adaptation timeline
- Troubleshooting common issues
Step 5: Follow-Up Care
- Multiple follow-up appointments to ensure success
- Monitoring of eye health and lens performance
- Fine-tuning of lens parameters if needed
- Ongoing support and adjustments
What to Expect During Adaptation
Adjusting to specialty contact lenses may take time, but most patients find the results well worth it:
Initial Adaptation Period
- Some awareness of lenses initially (especially RGP lenses)
- Gradual increase in wearing time over days to weeks
- Vision may fluctuate as eyes adapt
- Mild tearing or sensitivity initially
After Adaptation
- Most patients adapt within 1-4 weeks
- Lenses become comfortable and barely noticeable
- Clear, stable vision throughout the day
- Improved quality of life and visual function
Caring for Your Specialty Lenses
Proper care ensures lens longevity and eye health:
- Daily cleaning: Clean lenses after each removal with recommended solutions
- Proper storage: Store lenses in fresh solution in a clean case
- Hand hygiene: Always wash hands before handling lenses
- Replace solutions: Never reuse or top off old solution
- Regular replacement: Replace lenses according to prescribed schedule
- Case maintenance: Clean and replace lens cases regularly
- Follow-up visits: Attend all scheduled appointments
Why Choose Arizona's Vision for Specialty Lenses?
- Expertise: Dr. Page's extensive experience with complex lens fittings
- Advanced technology: State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for precise measurements
- Comprehensive selection: Access to all major specialty lens manufacturers
- Personalized care: Individualized fitting process and ongoing support
- Problem-solving: Experience with challenging cases and difficult-to-fit eyes
- Patient education: Thorough training and ongoing guidance
- Commitment to success: We don't give up until you achieve optimal results
Success Stories
We've helped countless patients achieve life-changing vision improvements:
- Keratoconus patients who thought clear vision was impossible
- Post-LASIK patients experiencing vision complications
- Dry eye sufferers who couldn't wear standard lenses
- High prescription patients told they weren't contact lens candidates
- Athletes needing reliable vision correction during sports
Discover Your Contact Lens Solution
Don't let vision challenges limit your life. Schedule a specialty lens consultation and discover how we can help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.