Specialty Contact Lenses for Complex Corneas

At Vision Life OD, both Dr. Benedick and Dr. Virdee provide advanced contact lens solutions for patients with unique or medically complex eye conditions. If you’ve been told you’re “hard to fit” or that contacts aren’t an option, specialty lenses may offer clear, comfortable vision where traditional glasses or soft lenses fall short.

Who Can Benefit?

Specialty contact lenses are designed for patients with irregular corneas or those who have undergone eye surgery. These include:

• Keratoconus– A progressive condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision.
• Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD)– A condition that affects the lower part of the cornea, leading to irregular astigmatism.
• Post-LASIK Ectasia– A rare complication after LASIK where the cornea becomes weakened and irregular.
• Post-Surgical Corneas– Including patients who have had corneal transplants, radial keratotomy (RK), or other procedures affecting corneal shape.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Unlike standard soft lenses, specialty lenses are custom-designed to match the exact shape of your eye. These may include:

• Scleral Lenses– Large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye, providing exceptional comfort and vision.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses– Durable lenses that maintain their shape to improve visual clarity.
• Hybrid Lenses– A combination of a rigid center and soft outer skirt for both clarity and comfort.

Why Choose Specialty Lenses?

• Sharper, more stable vision
• Improved comfort for sensitive or irregular eyes
• Protection and hydration of the corneal surface
• A non-surgical option for complex vision problems

Our Fitting Process

Fitting specialty lenses requires advanced technology and expertise. At Vision Life Optometry, we take a personalized approach:

1. Comprehensive Eye Evaluation– We assess your eye health and corneal shape using detailed imaging.
2. Corneal Mapping (Topography)– This allows us to design lenses tailored specifically to your eyes.
3. Custom Lens Design & Trial Fitting– We evaluate fit and vision in real time.
4. Follow-Up Care– Ongoing adjustments ensure optimal comfort and performance.

What to Expect

The fitting process may take more than one visit to achieve the best results. However, the outcome is often life-changing—providing clear, comfortable vision for patients who previously struggled with poor vision correction.

Insurance & Coverage for Specialty Contact Lenses

Many patients are surprised to learn that specialty contact lenses may be covered by their insurance. Because these lenses are often used to treat medical eye conditions—not just for convenience—some vision and medical plans offer benefits that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs

Medically Necessary Contact Lenses

Conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-LASIK ectasia, and irregular corneas are often eligible for medically necessary contact lens coverage. When approved, this benefit may help cover:

·  The cost of custom specialty lenses

·  Professional fitting and evaluation services

·  Follow-up care related to your treatment

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, have had prior eye surgery, or are unhappy with your current vision correction, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a specialty contact lens consultation and discover your options for clearer vision.