Some eyes simply don't cooperate with standard contacts, because of keratoconus, an irregular or scarred cornea, a past surgery, severe dry eye, or a very high prescription. Specialty lenses are designed for exactly these eyes, and a careful fitting can deliver clarity and comfort that ordinary contacts never could.
Lenses for hard-to-fit eyes
- Scleral lenses, large gas-permeable lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye, creating a smooth optical surface and a cushion of fluid that's especially helpful for keratoconus and dry eye
- Rigid gas-permeable (GP) lenses, crisp vision for irregular corneas
- Hybrid lenses (SynergEyes), a GP center with a soft skirt for comfort
- Custom & post-surgical fittings, after corneal transplant, RK, LASIK complications or injury
Why the fit makes the difference
Specialty lenses are custom-designed, not pulled from a drawer. We map your cornea, fit diagnostic lenses, fine-tune the design, and follow up until the fit and vision are right. It takes more care than a routine contact fitting, and that care is exactly the point.
Many of these eyes also benefit from ongoing medical monitoring; we'll coordinate that alongside your comprehensive exams, and partner with corneal surgeons when needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a scleral lens?
A scleral lens is a larger gas-permeable contact that vaults over the cornea and rests on the sclera (the white of the eye), leaving a reservoir of fluid underneath. That makes it remarkably stable and comfortable, ideal for keratoconus, irregular corneas and dry eye.
Can you help if I've been told I'm 'hard to fit'?
Very often, yes. Hard-to-fit eyes are exactly what specialty lenses are designed for. Dr. Smith fits scleral, GP and hybrid lenses for corneas that standard contacts can't accommodate.
Are scleral lenses comfortable?
Most patients find them surprisingly comfortable, the fluid reservoir cushions the eye and they don't move around like regular contacts. There's a short adjustment period as you get used to inserting them.
Will insurance help with specialty lenses?
Medically necessary contact lenses (for conditions like keratoconus) are sometimes covered differently than routine contacts. We'll check your benefits and explain your options before we begin.