Think You Can't Wear Contact Lenses? Explore Scleral and Toric Lenses in Pickerington

Have you tried contact lenses in the past, only to experience discomfort, dryness, or blurry vision? You might assume contacts simply aren't right for you. However, traditional soft contact lenses aren't the only option. At VisualCare Associates in Pickerington, OH, we offer specialty contact lens services to help patients explore alternatives designed for their unique vision needs.

Why Traditional Contact Lenses Don't Work for Everyone

Standard contact lenses may not provide the right fit or vision correction for everyone. Conditions such as astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, and irregular corneas can make conventional contacts uncomfortable or less effective.

Fortunately, advances in contact lens technology have made it possible for more patients to explore comfortable, clear vision without relying exclusively on glasses.

Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curvature, causing blurry or distorted vision. Traditional spherical contact lenses may not adequately correct this condition.

Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Unlike standard contacts, they have different prescription powers in different areas of the lens and are designed to maintain proper orientation on the eye.

For patients with regular astigmatism, toric lenses may provide clearer, more consistent vision. Proper fitting is essential because lens rotation can affect visual clarity.

Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes and Irregular Corneas

Scleral lenses are larger, specialized contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye rather than directly on the cornea. They create a space between the lens and the corneal surface, which is filled with sterile saline solution.

This design can help maintain moisture and provide a smoother optical surface for clearer vision. Scleral lenses may be especially beneficial for patients with keratoconus, certain corneal irregularities, or significant dry eye symptoms.

Because scleral lenses are customized to the shape of your eyes, they may offer improved stability and comfort when traditional contacts haven't worked.

Who Should Consider Specialty Contact Lenses?

If you've struggled with conventional contact lenses, you may benefit from exploring other options. Specialty contact lenses may be worth considering if you:

•          Have astigmatism that makes standard contacts less effective.

•          Experience persistent dryness or discomfort while wearing contacts.

•          Have keratoconus or an irregularly shaped cornea.

•          Have previously been told you're difficult to fit for contact lenses.

•          Struggle with blurry or fluctuating vision while wearing traditional lenses.

What to Expect During a Specialty Contact Lens Fitting

At VisualCare Associates in Pickerington, we evaluate your prescription, corneal shape, eye health, and tear film to determine which contact lens options may be appropriate. A specialty contact lens fitting may involve detailed measurements, trial lenses, and follow-up visits to assess comfort and vision. We also provide guidance on proper lens handling and care to support safe, successful contact lens wear.

If you've given up on contact lenses, it may be time to explore your options again. Schedule a specialty contact lens evaluation with VisualCare Associates to discover whether scleral or toric contact lenses could be right for you. Visit our office in Pickerington, OH, or call (614) 575-8020 to book an appointment today.