If you have trouble wearing regular contact lenses, it may be due to a specific condition like keratoconus, chronic dry eye, or astigmatism. It can be frustrating and even discouraging to deal with these issues, but there are options available to help you find relief.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some reasons why your contact lenses may be uncomfortable and share some alternatives that could work for you.
Reasons why your contacts may be uncomfortable
So, why are your contact lenses uncomfortable? There could be a few reasons, including:
- Dry eye, which can cause lenses to feel dry or scratchy and may lead to redness, discomfort, or even infections in severe cases
- Sensitivity to the materials used in traditional soft contact lenses
- A prescription that needs adjustment
- An irregularly shaped cornea, such as with astigmatism or keratoconus, can make standard contacts difficult to fit properly
Luckily, you don’t have to live in discomfort. Rigid gas permeable lenses and scleral lenses may be a good option depending on your specific needs.
Rigid gas permeable lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of a hard plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through to your cornea, making them more breathable than soft lenses. They offer sharper vision than soft contacts and last longer.
RGP lenses are an excellent option for people with astigmatism or keratoconus because they maintain their shape on the cornea, providing better vision. However, they take time to adjust to and require consistent wear to maintain comfort.
Scleral lenses
Another option is scleral lenses. These large-diameter contacts rest on the white part of your eye (called the sclera) instead of directly on the cornea.
Scleral contact lenses are ideal for people with irregularly shaped corneas due to conditions like keratoconus or post-LASIK surgery complications. These lenses also create a reservoir of tears and fluid between the lens and the front of the eye, helping to relieve dry eye symptoms.
Find the best contact lenses for your eyes
If you’re struggling with traditional contact lenses, don’t give up hope! Specialty lenses like RGP and scleral lenses can provide clear vision and comfort.
Our eye doctors in Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay have expertise in fitting specialty contact lenses and can help you find the right option for your unique needs. Schedule an appointment with our experts today!
