Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, we specialize in custom-fitted specialty contact lenses to address complex vision needs that cannot be corrected with standard lenses. We offer three main types:

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, hard, breathable lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera), rather than the cornea.

Benefits:

Can be filled with sterile saline solution to continuously lubricate the eyes, effectively treating severe dry eye.
Vault over the entire eye, creating a smooth optical surface for hard-to-treat vision problems.
At Bascom Palmer, we provide several types of scleral lenses, including PROSE, image-guided, and impression-based lenses.

PROSE Treatment

PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem) is a highly customizable scleral lens for complex cases, such as:

Process

Benefits

Image-Guided Scleral Lenses

Use advanced SMap3D™ imaging to capture the unique shape of your eyes
Young patients with C–E graded tumors benefit from reduced systemic side effects.
Typically requires 2–3 treatments spaced three weeks apart.
Only ~5% fail to respond; additional local injections can target remaining cancer cells in the eye.

Impression-Based Scleral Lenses

Other Specialty Lenses

Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses

Hybrid Lenses

Additional Features

Multifocal lenses

Multiple prescriptions in one lens (near and far)

Prism correction

Available for scleral lenses to help with double vision

Getting the Right Fit

Uveitis is a general term for inflammation inside the eye, which can affect different parts of the eye, including the iris, retina, or choroid. Depending on the location of inflammation, it may be called:

SMap3D™ technology: Maps the corneo-scleral surface for precise lens design

Eaglet Eye: Captures detailed measurements to support faster and more accurate fittings

FAQ

What are the different types of specialty contact lenses, and why choose them over standard ones?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-crafted for unique eye shapes or conditions where off-the-shelf options fall short, like rigid gas-permeable (RGP) for sharp astigmatism correction or soft torics that rotate less. Unlike daily disposables, they prioritize function—sclerals for dry eyes vault over the cornea like a protective dome, hybrids blend rigid clarity with soft comfort. Ideal for post-surgery patients or athletes needing stable vision, they transform fuzzy worlds into crisp ones without glasses’ hassles.

When would someone need scleral lenses, and how do they work?

Sclerals are lifesavers for irregular corneas from keratoconus or grafts, resting on the white sclera while a saline reservoir cushions the sensitive center—think custom pool for your eye, eliminating touch-induced pain. Best for severe dry eye or post-LASIK ectasia, they provide all-day hydration and UV block. Fitting involves corneal mapping, but once dialed in, users report “”life-changing”” comfort, ditching drops and tapes.

What are hybrid and prosthetic specialty lenses used for?

Hybrids fuse a rigid core for pinpoint focus with a soft skirt for easy wear, perfect for high astigmatism or sports where lenses must stay put—less fogging than full rigids. Prosthetic lenses, tinted artistically, camouflage iris defects from injury or surgery, restoring natural gaze while correcting vision; painted in labs to match your other eye, they’re a blend of art and optics. Both require specialist oversight for hygiene and fit.

How do orthokeratology lenses help with myopia control?

Ortho-K lenses, worn overnight, gently reshape the cornea for daytime clarity without glasses—reversing mild myopia like a corneal brace. In kids, they slow progression by 40-60%, curbing risks like retinal tears later; FDA-approved, they’re safe with monitoring. Users wake to sharp vision, but diligent cleaning prevents infections—great for active lifestyles dodging daytime lenses.

Are there drug-eluting or multifocal specialty lenses, and what benefits do they offer?

Yes, drug-eluting lenses release meds like cyclosporine for chronic dry eye or glaucoma drops, cutting daily hassles and improving adherence—trials show better tear stability. Multifocals for presbyopia layer zones for near/far focus in one lens, easing reading woes without bifocals. Custom to your prescription, they demand precise fitting but reward with convenience; consult for trials to ensure they’re your fit.