Keratoconus, Astigmatism, or Dry Eye? How Specialty Lenses Can Help

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, astigmatism, or chronic dry eye, you know how frustrating it can be to find a vision correction solution that provides both clarity and comfort. Traditional glasses or standard soft contact lenses often fall short when dealing with complex or irregular eye conditions. At Steinmann Eye Care, we offer advanced lens options tailored to meet your unique needs and restore your quality of life.
 

Understanding the Conditions

Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision. It can make traditional contact lenses uncomfortable or ineffective due to the irregular surface of the eye.

Astigmatism is caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. While mild astigmatism can often be corrected with glasses or standard contacts, moderate to severe cases may require a more customized approach.

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and difficulty wearing regular contacts.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses used to address vision problems that standard contact lenses cannot adequately correct. Unlike traditional soft lenses, specialty lenses offer a more tailored fit and enhanced visual clarity. They can also provide therapeutic benefits, such as protecting the eye’s surface or improving comfort for those with corneal abnormalities.
 

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye (the sclera). They create a fluid-filled chamber that protects the cornea and provides stable, clear vision. These lenses are ideal for keratoconus, severe dry eye, and high levels of astigmatism.
 

Toric Contact Lenses

Designed specifically for astigmatism, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct the uneven curvature. They are available in both soft and rigid gas-permeable materials and can be custom-made for optimal vision and fit.
 

Hybrid Lenses

Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid lenses have a rigid gas-permeable center for sharp vision and a soft outer skirt for enhanced comfort. These lenses are well-suited for patients with keratoconus or irregular astigmatism who may not tolerate rigid lenses alone.
 

Personalized Lens Fittings at Steinmann Eye Care

Whether you’re dealing with the challenges of keratoconus, struggling with astigmatism, or seeking relief from dry eye, specialty contact lenses offer solutions where standard lenses fall short. Every eye is unique, and so is every lens fitting at Steinmann Eye Care. Dr. Steinmann and his team use advanced diagnostic technology to map your cornea and assess tear film health. Based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and vision goals, we will recommend the most appropriate specialty lens option for you.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Steinmann Eye Care to find the right specialty lenses for your visual needs. Contact our office in Redlands, California, by calling (909) 679-5450 to book an appointment today.