Every patient is different and so are their eyes. This means that there need to be different types of contact lenses to suit each individual. Some patients have corneal abnormalities which mean that conventional lenses won’t sit comfortably on the surface of their eyes, while others suffer from eye conditions that mean normal contact lenses won’t be comfortable or could irritate their eyes.

We have a stockpile of contact lenses and samples at Kenkel Eyecare, from daily, two weeks, to monthly options. Nearly every patient who comes in to be fit for soft contact lenses can go home with a trial pair of contact lenses, so you can be sure they're the right fit for you before committing. Read more below about the specialty contact lenses we offer. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our friendly staff!
 

Who might be a good patient for specialty contact lenses?

Some of the patients that might benefit from specialty contact lenses include those who:

• have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome

• have corneal scarring

• have been diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition characterized by the bulging of the cornea

• suffer from strabismus, a condition where the patient has an eye that turns in or out relative to the other

• have suffered an injury to the eye

• suffer from a peripheral corneal thinning disorder

• are intolerant to other types of lenses

Your eye doctor or contact lens provider will be able to tell you if you need specialty contact lenses and if so, which lenses would be best based on your individual requirements. 
 

Daily Contact Lenses 

Kenkel Eyecare has the latest in technology in daily lenses which can be dispensed same day. Daily contact lenses are a convenient and comfortable way to correct vision without the need for glasses. They are worn during the day and then thrown away at night, making them a great option for those who don't want to worry about cleaning and storing their lenses. Daily contact lenses are made from a soft, flexible material that allows oxygen to pass through, keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. They are easy to insert and remove and are available in a variety of prescriptions, so you can find the perfect pair for your vision needs.

Soft Contact Lenses 

Soft contact lenses are made of flexible, soft plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea—the clear dome that covers the colored part of the eye. This lens material may be less difficult to adjust to and provide more initial comfort than hard, or rigid gas-permeable, contact lenses. The most commonly used lens material is soft contact lenses.

Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses

Also known as RGP lenses, these are made from a special material that allows oxygen to pass through them and reach the surface of the eyes. This helps to keep the eyes hydrated and comfortable, making these lenses easier to wear, especially for patients who suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes aren’t just a symptom, but a very real condition, characterized by dry, stiff, and uncomfortable eyes, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. RGP lenses are more rigid than soft lenses, and this helps to keep them stable and secure on the eyes so that patients can enjoy sharper vision. They also help the cornea to maintain its shape, which helps to minimize the effects of some corneal abnormalities. 

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are very different to standard contact lenses. This is because scleral lenses are much larger in diameter, with three different sizes available depending on your specific needs. This size difference means that the edges of the contact lens fall on a white part of the eye, called the sclera rather than the cornea. Scleral lenses are also different in that they vault over the surface of the cornea rather than touching it, leaving a space between the front surface of the eye and the back of the contact lens. This makes scleral lenses a good choice for patients with dry eyes and corneal abnormalities. Space can trap tear film which keeps the eyes hydrated, while space also accommodates many corneal abnormalities, such as the bulge associated with keratoconus. 
 

For more information about specialty contact lenses, don’t hesitate to speak to our dedicated eye care team.