Are traditional contact lenses just not hitting the mark for you? Do they cause discomfort or slip when you blink? It's time to explore custom contact lenses for a snugger, cozier fit and, most importantly, for enhanced vision. Contact Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca today to explore the possibilities of custom contact lenses. Our practice welcomes patients from Waupaca, Iola, Amherst, Wild Rose, Wisconsin, and the surrounding communities.
What Exactly Are Custom Contact Lenses?
Think of them this way: you go to a skilled shoemaker who precisely measures the contours and dimensions of your feet, then fashions a pair of shoes that fit like a dream. That's what happens with custom contact lenses. Instead of trying to make standard contact lenses work for individuals with irregular corneas, optometrists measure your cornea to create contact lenses tailored exclusively and perfectly for your eyes.
How Contact Lenses Are Customized
Lens manufacturers create conventional contact lenses for typical corneal shapes. But when you opt for standard contacts, we employ a keratometer device to gauge the curvature of the front part of your cornea. With these three measurements, your optometrist selects the best off-the-shelf contacts.
However, what if your cornea isn't the standard shape? Standard contacts might not provide a comfortable fit. In such cases, optometrists utilize a corneal topographer. This device meticulously maps the exact curvature of your cornea using multiple data points in your eye. This precise measurement ensures a snug, accurate fit.
Unlock the Potential of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses, a specific type of custom contact lens, are constructed from rigid gas-permeable materials and boast a larger size than standard lenses. Their increased diameter allows them to gracefully arch over irregularly shaped corneas and rest on the sclera, the white portion of the eye.
Scleral lenses are especially well-suited for individuals experiencing dry eye symptoms. The generous space between the lens and the eye surface creates a reservoir of fluid that bathes and hydrates the eye. Because sclerals elegantly arch over the cornea, they are ideal for people with irregularly shaped corneas.
Why You Should Choose Contact Lenses
Custom contact lenses offer several advantages:
Enhanced vision:
Custom lenses often provide sharper vision, particularly for individuals with complex vision issues.
Greater comfort:
Designed to fit your eyes precisely, custom lenses are often more comfortable than standard options.
Lower risk of eye problems:
Custom contact lenses can help reduce the risk of issues like dry eyes and corneal infections.
Are You the Right Fit for Custom Contact Lenses?
If you are living with any of the following conditions, custom-designed contact lenses could be your ideal solution:
- Astigmatism
- Keratoconus
- Presbyopia
- Other irregular corneal conditions
- Dry eye
- Difficulty tolerating standard contact lenses
Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Cody Dagnall
Q: Can Sclerals Relieve Eye Allergy Symptoms?
A: Do dust and pollen trigger red, watery, and itchy eyes? Scleral contact lenses could be the answer for you. Their larger size provides added protection and minimizes exposure to allergens. The space between the lens and your eye allows fluid to soothe irritated eyes.
Q: How Often Do Scleral Lenses Need Replacement?
A: Scleral lenses are typically replaced yearly and sometimes every 2-3 years. They are long-lasting thanks to their durable materials and often represent better value than standard contact lenses.
Q: How Long Does it Take To Get Custom Contact Lenses?
A: The process of acquiring custom contact lenses spans a few weeks. First, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor. We will measure your cornea shape and other eye characteristics to determine the most suitable custom contact lenses. Once our eye doctor orders them, it takes a couple of weeks to craft your custom contact lenses.