Specialty Contact Lenses
in Shelton & Waterbury

Standard soft contact lenses are not the right fit for every eye. Patients with dry eye, keratoconus, irregular corneas, or high astigmatism may need a more customized lens design to achieve clear, comfortable vision.

At Vision Center LTD and Waterbury Eye Associates, we offer specialty contact lens evaluations and fittings for patients whose vision or eye health needs go beyond conventional contacts. Our doctors assess your corneal shape, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle to recommend the lens type that best fits your needs.

When are specialty contact lenses recommended?

Specialty contact lenses may be an option when standard contacts are uncomfortable, do not provide clear enough vision, or are not suitable for the shape or health of your eyes. They may be recommended for patients with:

• Dry eye or contact lens discomfort
• Keratoconus
• Irregular corneas
• High or irregular astigmatism
• A need for vision correction without daytime glasses

Types of specialty contacts lenses

Rigid gas permeable contact lense

Rigid gas permeable, or RGP, lenses are firm, durable lenses that allow oxygen to reach the eye. Because they maintain their shape on the eye, they may provide sharper vision than soft contact lenses for some prescriptions and corneal conditions.

Scleral contact lenses

Scleral lenses are larger rigid gas-permeable lenses that rest on the white part of the eye and vault over the cornea. Their custom design can help patients with dry eye, keratoconus, irregular corneas, or high astigmatism achieve more comfortable, stable vision.

For patients with significant dry eye, scleral lenses also create a fluid reservoir over the cornea that can support eye-surface hydration and protection.

Ortho-K  lenses

Ortho-k lenses are specialty gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. They can allow patients to see clearly during the day without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k may also be recommended as part of a myopia management plan for eligible children and adolescents. 

What to expect from a specialty lens fitting

A specialty contact lens fitting begins with a detailed contact lens exam. We evaluate your prescription, eye health, corneal shape, and vision needs to determine whether specialty lenses may be right for you.

If a specialty lens is recommended, we take detailed measurements to customize its fit. Follow-up visits allow us to evaluate comfort, vision, eye health, and lens positioning, then make adjustments as needed.

Find the right contact lens option

If you have been told that standard contact lenses are not right for you, specialty lenses may offer another path to comfortable vision. Schedule an appointment to discuss your options with our eye care team.