How Is an Optometrist Trained in Fitting Specialty Contact Lenses Unique?
Every optometrist can fit conventional contact lenses. However, specialty contacts are another story, and few optometrists have undergone the necessary training in fitting specialty lenses, such as scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, or custom rigid gas permeable lenses.
Scleral lenses are custom-fit to each patient’s individual cornea. This requires the optometrist to acquire more in-depth knowledge in areas traditionally belonging in the field of a corneal specialist.
Moreover, special equipment is needed to fit specialty lenses. The optometrist uses different devices to assess whether a particular specialty lens is a good fit and to precisely measure a cornea’s unique shape.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor for Specialty Lenses?
Many of our patients have experienced discomfort or complications when using traditional soft contact lenses. In these cases, wearing scleral lenses offer more comfort yet provide the same visual acuity or better.
If you have an eye condition that prevents you from wearing regular contact lenses, such as corneal irregularities (i.e. keratoconus), post corneal transplant, severe dry-eye, or an unusually high refractive error, scleral contact lenses may be a good fit.
Special lenses may also help patients cope with complications following surgery or improve remaining refractive errors. Dr. Robert Levy can help you evaluate your alternatives.