Contact lenses offer several benefits over wearing eyeglasses for vision correction. They won’t fog up like glasses and are ideal for individuals who engage in physical activities and sports. Additionally, contact lenses offer a more natural appearance than eyeglasses.

At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, Dr. Ryan Farrar and Dr. Liz Fieser are experienced in fitting a wide range of contact lenses, including hard-to-fit, disposable, bifocal, toric lenses for astigmatism, rigid gas permeable, and cosmetic lenses.

Soft, disposable spherical contact lenses are the most common type of contact lens and the most prescribed. Traditional soft contact lenses are made of soft plastic polymers and water, allowing oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Soft disposable contacts are available in daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly options. It’s important to adhere to the recommended wear schedule so that your eyes remain healthy, and you can continue to wear soft contact lenses comfortably.

While soft contact lenses are the most common, they may not be the best option for everyone. For individuals with keratoconus, dry eye, or other conditions that affect comfort during contact lens wear, specialty contact lenses can be a suitable alternative.

What are specialty contact lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are designed for people who cannot wear standard contacts. They can be used to correct conditions such as astigmatism, presbyopia, keratoconus, and dry eye syndrome. Additionally, specialty contact lenses may be recommended for individuals who have undergone certain eye surgeries or have injuries that impact their vision.

Prosthetic lenses

Prosthetic lenses are used to change the appearance of an eye that has been disfigured due to an injury or disease. These lenses can mimic the color and shape of a natural eye, and they are custom-made to fit the individual’s eye.

Scleral lenses

Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than the cornea. They are used to correct a variety of vision problems, including keratoconus and severe astigmatism. Scleral lenses are often more comfortable than traditional contact lenses and can provide sharper vision.

Toric lenses

Toric lenses are a type of contact lens designed to correct astigmatism, a common eye condition where the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped. This results in blurry or distorted vision at all distances. Toric lenses are shaped differently from regular spherical contact lenses, with a more complex curvature that helps to compensate for astigmatism and provide clear vision. They are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable materials and can be worn by people with both low and high levels of astigmatism.

Orthokeratology lenses

Orthokeratology lenses, also known as ortho-k lenses, are a special type of contact lens that can temporarily correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. These lenses are worn overnight, and they work by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep, so you wake up with clear vision.

Rigid gas permeable lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of a hard plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea. These lenses are highly durable and provide excellent vision correction, especially for people with astigmatism.

Cosmetic lenses

Cosmetic lenses are designed to change the appearance of the eye. They can be used to change the eye color or add a specific design or pattern to the iris. While these lenses may not provide any vision correction, you still need a prescription to wear them to make sure they fit properly.

Schedule a contact lens exam at Prairie Vista Eye & Optical

At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical in Liberal, KS, we provide comprehensive contact lens exams to ensure patients receive the correct contact lenses for their specific eye health needs. Our eye care professionals are experts at ensuring your contacts fit properly and provide you with clear, comfortable vision. Book an appointment with us today and let us know you’re interested in a contact lens exam and fitting.