Specialty lenses accommodate irregular eye shapes or improve eye conditions while also giving you clear vision. The experienced optometrists at Eye Q Optique create customized specialty lenses by accurately diagnosing your eye problem and precisely mapping the irregular curvature of your eyes. To learn more about specialty lenses, call the office in Buffalo Grove or the Tri-Taylor or Near West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, Illinois, or book an appointment online today.

What are specialty contact lenses?

Specialty contact lenses correct vision in people with eye problems or corneal conditions that prevent them from wearing regular contacts. Your provider precisely maps the shape and curve of your cornea. Then they design custom-fitted specialty contact lenses that perfectly fit your eyes.

What are the most common specialty contact lenses?

Eye Q Optique frequently recommends two types of specialty lenses:

Scleral lenses

Scleral lenses have a wider diameter that allows the lens to rest on the white part of your eye. They also have a shape that allows them to vault over your eyes rather than lying directly on the eye. The unique lens shape also holds a sterile solution that moisturizes your eyes after you insert the lenses.

You may be a good candidate for scleral lenses if you have:

• Keratoconus
• Dry eyes
• Irregular astigmatism
• Corneal transplants
• Post-LASIK ectasia
• Corneal scarring

In some cases, your provider may recommend scleral lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia.

Specialty Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine two types of materials into one unique lens. The center is made of rigid material to give you clear and stable vision, while the surrounding soft skirt offers comfort throughout the day.

What high-tech specialty spectacle lenses are available?

Today's technology opens the door to specialty lenses that target other eye challenges, including:

Transition lenses

Transition lenses darken automatically in sunlight and contain a photochromic filter that continuously adjusts the amount of light entering your eyes. Transtion lenses are now available in several color options. Check with Eye Q opticians as to what colors are available in your prescription.

Digitally surfaced spectacle lenses

Digitally surfaced lenses are highly personalized, high-definition lenses that are made using state-of-the-art technology. These lenses are not made from premade materials and are often much more accurate than traditional lenses. 

Digitally surfaced lenses can be created for almost anyone who needs glasses, regardless of whether they need single vision or progressive lenses. 

Lenses to reduce digital eye strain

If you spend your days shifting your focus between digital devices and off-screen activities, you can get specialty lenses that keep your eyes comfortable, reduce stress and strain, and help keep your eyes hydrated.

If you have unique eye conditions that make it hard or impossible to wear regular contact lenses, call Eye Q Optique or book an appointment online today.

Contact lenses for myopia

While several specialty lenses exist to restore vision in children with myopia (nearsightedness), the FDA has approved soft contact lenses that slow down myopia progression. The lenses are for children aged 8-12 and don't need to be worn at night.