Specialty Contact Lenses
When conventional contact lenses or standard treatments aren’t enough, specialty contact lenses can transform your vision and improve quality of life. At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, our expert team has helped thousands of patients address complex eye conditions with customized, therapeutic contact lenses.
Conditions Specialty Contact Lenses Can Help
Specialty lenses are particularly effective for patients experiencing:
- Severe dry eye
- Keratoconus (a misshapen cornea causing blurred vision)
- Blurry vision that isn’t corrected with glasses or standard contacts
- Eye pain and light sensitivity
How Specialty Lenses Differ from Standard Contacts
While standard (soft) contact lenses often correct routine vision problems, specialty lenses are custom-fitted for each patient’s unique eye shape. This makes them ideal for:
Irregular corneas: correcting hard-to-treat refractive errors, including astigmatism
Severe ocular surface disease: some lenses can be filled with sterile saline to continuously lubricate the eyes, relieving discomfort and dryness
Are Specialty Contact Lenses Right for Me?
Consider specialty lenses if:
- Glasses or standard contacts don’t fully correct your vision
- Topical treatments for eye discomfort have been unsuccessful
- You have conditions such as keratoconus, blepharitis, or other irregular cornea issues
Treatment and Fitting Process
Step 1: Consultation
- Discuss your concerns and treatment goals
- Advanced mapping technology measures your eyes
- Trial lens fitting helps determine the best initial fit
Step 2: Follow-up Visits
- Receive your first set of custom lenses
- Additional visits allow fine-tuning for the ideal fit
- The full process typically takes about six months
Caring for Specialty Contact Lenses
Specialty lenses require extra care beyond standard contacts:
Inserting and Removing Lenses
- Remove lenses nightly before sleep
- Some lenses, like scleral lenses, come with tools for easier handling
- Each eye has a designated lens; follow a consistent routine to avoid mix-ups
Additional Steps
- Scleral lenses may need to be filled with sterile saline before insertion
- Follow any instructions provided by your eye care team
Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Clean lenses each time you remove them
- Specialty lenses may require more frequent cleaning to prevent debris buildup or infection
Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?
Expertise You Can Trust
- Thousands of patients benefit from our specialized lens fittings
Cutting-Edge Technology
- Advanced eye mapping ensures precise, customized results
Comprehensive Support
- Our team guides you through fitting, care, and follow-up to maximize comfort and vision
Specialty Contact Lenses FAQs
Thousands of patients come to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute each year for specialty contact lenses. Here are answers to some of the most common questions. If you have more questions, our team is ready to help.
Treating Eye Discomfort, Replacement Schedules, and More
What are specialty contact lenses?
Specialty contact lenses are custom-fitted lenses designed to correct serious eye problems that cannot be treated with standard glasses or soft contacts. These lenses are created by specially trained ophthalmologists and are part of our comprehensive care at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
Are specialty contact lenses right for me?
You may be a candidate if:
- Standard contacts or glasses don’t provide adequate vision correction
- Topical treatments, such as eye drops, haven’t resolved eye discomfort
- You have severe dry eye or other surface eye issues
Some specialty lenses can even continuously lubricate your eyes with sterile saline solution throughout the day.
How long do specialty contacts last?
Specialty contact lenses are custom-fitted lenses designed to correct serious eye problems that cannot be treated with standard glasses or soft contacts. These lenses are created by specially trained ophthalmologists and are part of our comprehensive care at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
Does insurance cover specialty contact lenses?
Many insurance plans provide coverage for specialty lenses. While full coverage isn’t guaranteed, our team works to maximize your insurance benefits whenever possible.
Can I get specialty lenses if I live outside Florida or internationally?
Yes. Patients from across the U.S. and around the world come to Bascom Palmer for specialty lenses. Care usually requires two visits to South Florida, lasting 2–3 weeks each, so our team can provide the necessary in-person fittings.
Can specialty contact lenses help me avoid eye surgery?
In some cases, specialty lenses may offer an alternative to non-emergency eye surgery. Our multidisciplinary team can evaluate your situation and help you decide the best treatment plan, all in one location.
Scleral Lenses: Relief for Dry Eye and Complex Eye Problems
What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lens that rests on the white part of your eye (the sclera) and creates a small vault over the cornea. They correct vision problems and surface issues that conventional lenses cannot.
How can scleral lenses help with dry eye?
Scleral lenses hold a reservoir of sterile saline solution between the lens and the eye, keeping the eye lubricated all day. This can relieve severe dry eye and improve comfort.
How does the fitting process work?
Getting the right fit is essential. Bascom Palmer uses advanced mapping technology to measure your eyes and ensure lenses conform to your unique shape. Multiple adjustments may be required to achieve the ideal fit.
How do I care for scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses require special care:
- Remove and clean them regularly, sometimes multiple times a day
- Fill with sterile saline solution if used for dry eye
- Follow all instructions provided by your eye care team to maintain eye health and lens function
PROSE Treatment: Advanced Care for Complex Eye Conditions
What is PROSE treatment?
PROSE is a custom-designed specialty contact lens for complex cases, including dry eye, light sensitivity, blurry vision, and irregular corneas. Bascom Palmer is one of only 15 fellowship-trained providers in the U.S. for PROSE treatment.
What does PROSE stand for?
PROSE = Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem
How is PROSE different from regular scleral lenses?
PROSE was the first ultra-customizable scleral lens and set the standard for advanced specialty contact care. Like all scleral lenses, PROSE is custom-fitted to your eye, but it offers advanced technology and software for precise customization.
How does PROSE treatment work?
- Begin with a consultation to assess your eyes and treatment goals
- Use PROSE software to design a custom lens
- Receive a series of adjustments to achieve the perfect fit
Can PROSE help with eye discomfort?
Yes. PROSE can relieve:
- Severe dry eye
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry or distorted vision
Our team will discuss whether PROSE is the best option for you and help create a personalized plan to improve your vision and quality of life.
FAQ
What are specialty contact lenses?
Who benefits from specialty lenses?
How are they fitted?
Are specialty lenses safe and comfortable?
How do they differ from regular contacts?
Custom materials/curves for unique eyes; cost more but transform vision/life.
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