5 Tips for Caring for Specialty Contact Lenses

Do regular contact lenses bother your eyes? If so, you might benefit from specialty contact lenses. These are lenses made for people with eye problems that prevent them from wearing conventional contacts.

Here are some types of specialty contact lenses:

• Scleral lenses are big, hard lenses that cover the cornea and sit on the white part of the eye (sclera). They hold fluid that keeps the eye wet and comfy. They are great for people with keratoconus, dry eye, or irregular corneas.

• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are small, hard lenses that rest on the cornea and let oxygen through. They give sharp vision and fix astigmatism. They suit people with keratoconus, post-surgery eyes, or high prescriptions.

• Hybrid lenses have a rigid center and a soft edge. They mix the benefits of both RGP and soft lenses, such as clear vision, comfort, and stability. They are ideal for treating keratoconus, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

• Prosthetic lenses are custom-made lenses that look like the natural eye. They can enhance the appearance and function of eyes damaged by injury, disease, or congenital disability.

Specialty contact lenses can make your eyes look and feel better, but they also need special care and attention. Here are some tips to help you care for your specialty contact lenses:

Follow Your Eye Doctor’s Instructions

Your eye doctor will prescribe the best specialty lenses for your condition and needs. They will show you how to put in, remove, clean, and properly store your lenses. Stick to their instructions and stay consistent. If you need help or have doubts, call your eye doctor immediately.

Clean and Disinfect Your Lenses Daily

Cleaning and disinfecting your lenses daily is essential to preventing infections and complications. Use the recommended cleaning solution and follow the directions on the label. Do not use saliva, tap water, or homemade solutions to clean your lenses, as they can contain harmful bacteria or contaminants. Rinse your lenses with sterile saline solution before inserting them in your eyes.

Replace Your Lenses and Solutions Regularly

Regularly replacing your lenses and solutions is essential to maintaining their quality and safety. Do not wear them longer than the prescribed period or beyond their expiration date. Do not reuse or top off old solutions in your lens case, as it can harbor germs and cause infections.

Protect Your Eyes From Irritants

Protecting your eyes from irritants can help you avoid discomfort and complications. Avoid wearing your lenses in dusty, smoky, or windy environments, as they can irritate your eyes and cause dryness or inflammation. Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear when outdoors or in hazardous situations. They can shield your eyes from foreign particles and harmful UV rays.

Have Regular Eye Exams

Having regular eye exams is vital to monitoring your eye health and vision. Your eye doctor will look for eye problems, such as germs, swelling, or injury. They will also evaluate the fit and performance of your lenses and make adjustments if needed. You should have an eye exam at least once a year, or more often if your eye care specialist advises so.

Conclusion

Specialty contact lenses can be an excellent option for people who cannot wear regular contact lenses due to various reasons. But they also need special care and attention to stay in shape and avoid problems. You can have the best of specialty contact lenses and healthy eyes using these tips.

For more on specialty contact lenses, visit See Breeze Optometry at our Huntington Beach or Westminster, California, offices. Call (714) 964-3811 or (714) 848-0028 to schedule an appointment today.