FAQ: Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses made for people whose vision or eye shape is not fully corrected with standard soft contacts or glasses. They are often recommended for patients who need sharper vision, a more stable fit, or better comfort throughout the day.

Many patients in Reno can benefit from specialty contact lenses if they have irregular corneas, keratoconus, corneal scarring, very high prescriptions, presbyopia, or trouble wearing traditional soft lenses comfortably. They can also be a good option for people who were told in the past that contacts were not right for them.

Not always. While specialty contact lenses are often used for more advanced vision needs, they can also help people who simply want clearer, more comfortable vision than standard lenses provide. Some patients choose them because they need better stability or a more personalized fit.

Specialty contact lenses can help address irregular corneas, astigmatism, keratoconus, corneal scarring, severe dryness with traditional lenses, high nearsightedness, high farsightedness, and age-related near vision changes. The exact lens type depends on your eyes, prescription, and daily needs.

They can. Some specialty lenses feel different at first because they are designed in a more structured or customized way, but many patients adjust well and find that the improved vision and fit are worth it. Comfort often improves once the lens design is matched properly to the eye.

There are several types of specialty contact lenses, including rigid gas-permeable lenses, scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, multifocal contact lenses, MiSight 1 Day lenses, and Ortho-K lenses. Each option is designed for different vision goals and eye conditions, so the right choice depends on your exam findings and lifestyle.

Scleral lenses are one type of specialty contact lens. They are larger lenses that rest on the white of the eye and vault over the cornea, which can make them especially helpful for keratoconus, corneal irregularities, post-surgical eyes, and some dry eye cases.

In some cases, yes. Certain specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, may provide better comfort for people with dry eyes because of how they sit on the eye and maintain a fluid layer over the cornea. Scleral lenses are often a helpful option for patients who need both vision correction and added protection from dryness. Our eye doctor can determine whether that approach makes sense for your specific situation.

Yes, specialty contact lenses are commonly recommended for keratoconus because they can provide clearer and more stable vision than glasses or standard contacts. Scleral lenses are often especially beneficial because they vault over the irregular cornea and create a smooth optical surface. The fitting process is especially important in these cases, since the lenses need to work with the unique shape of the cornea.

A specialty contact lens fitting is usually more detailed than a standard contact lens exam. It often includes a full eye health evaluation, precise corneal measurements, and trial lenses to check comfort, clarity, and movement before the final design is ordered.

Yes, it often does. Because specialty contact lenses are more customized, the exam and fitting process may take more time than a routine contact lens visit. That added detail helps improve fit, comfort, and visual performance.

Yes. Specialty contact lenses can be a strong option for patients with very high nearsightedness or farsightedness, especially when regular contacts do not provide the clarity or consistency they need. A custom fit can make a noticeable difference in daily vision.

Certain specialty contact lenses, including Ortho-K and MiSight lenses, are designed to correct blurry distance vision while also helping reduce the eye growth associated with worsening myopia. These lenses are prescribed based on the child’s age, prescription, eye health, and treatment goals.

Yes. Specialty contact lenses can be a non-surgical option for people who want better vision without procedures such as refractive surgery. Some lens designs, including Ortho-K, are also used by patients who want a reversible approach to vision correction.

Patients looking for specialty contact lenses in Reno, NV, can schedule an evaluation with Downtown Vision. We offer advanced specialty lens options, including customized fittings for patients with complex vision needs, and we take a personalized approach to help find the right lens for long-term comfort and clear vision.