Over 45 million people in the US wear contact lenses, but they aren’t the perfect solution for everyone. Some eye conditions make wearing contacts a difficult proposition. However, this does not rule out wearing contact lenses altogether. It just means patients need to discuss options with their eye care provider and obtain specialized, hard-to-fit contacts for their specific vision problems. Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo is here to explain some of the causes of these issues and offer specialized solutions.
Reasons for Hard-to-Fit Contacts
Finding contact lenses that fit and wearing contact lenses, in general, can be made more challenging when these conditions affect your eyes:
- Astigmatism
- Dry eyes
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
- Keratoconus
- Presbyopia
Let’s dive into these conditions and how they affect contact lens wearability.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism develops when the front of the eye curves into a bulge or oval shape. It causes blurred vision and can be difficult to correct because regular contacts cannot account for the bulging.
Dry Eyes
At Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo, we specialize in treating dry eye syndrome. When eyes become excessively dry, it leads to irritation, burning, redness, and blurred vision. Contact lenses can exacerbate these conditions by making it feel like a foreign object is stuck in your eye.
GPC
Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is caused by inflammation on the inner surface of the eyelid. Protein buildup on contact lenses can make this condition worse.
Keratoconus
This is an uncommon condition that causes major discomfort when wearing contacts. Keratoconus happens when the cornea becomes thinner, allowing the eye to bulge forward. The bulge forms into a cone shape, greatly distorting vision.
Presbyopia
As people age, their eyes tend to have a tougher time focusing on close objects. This condition is known as presbyopia, and it typically affects people aged 40 or older.
Solutions for Hard-to-Fit Contacts
Wearing contacts is not impossible if you suffer from one of the above conditions. However, you do need to meet with an eye care professional and get prescribed contact lenses or specialized therapies tailored to your specific vision condition.
Advanced Dry-Eye Treatments
These options provide solutions for dry-eye-related contact issues and certain other eye conditions as well.
Medical-Grade Eye Drops
Medicated eye drops can be an effective solution for dealing with dry eyes. They will lubricate eyes enough to make contact lenses more bearable, although a punctal occlusion must also be done to plug the ducts in some extreme cases. GPC symptoms can also be lessened through medicated eye drops. They flush out protein deposits and reduce inflammation. We also offer autologous serum eye drops.
Laser Therapy
Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo is a leading provider of innovative dry eye treatments, offering solutions for lasting relief. One such therapy, TempSure Envi, targets the root causes of dry eye symptoms, including Meibomian Gland Disease. This radiofrequency technology enhances tear production and gland function while rejuvenating the eyes, and reducing bagginess and dryness. Patients can anticipate a smoother, more vibrant appearance and significant comfort improvements from these advanced treatments.
Specialized Types of Contact Lenses
Standard contact lenses aren’t the only ones on the market. We also offer alternative lens options.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are useful for correcting astigmatism. Since the lens needs to align with the bulge it is correcting, toric lenses must not rotate in order to fit on the eye. They are typically custom-made to correct a specific astigmatism. For that reason, this type of lens takes longer to make and costs more than a traditional contact lens.
GP Lenses
Rigid gas-permeable (GP) lenses are a good solution for patients who suffer from GPC or Keratoconus. These hard contact lenses are oxygen-permeable and limit protein deposits from accumulating which will reduce GPC symptoms. It is also effective in containing corneal bulging and relieving pressure on the tissue for a Keratoconus sufferer.
Scleral Lenses
Keratoconus patients have greatly benefited from advancements in scleral contact lenses. In our office, we have seen Patients reach 20/20 visual acuity in many cases. Scleral lenses are larger and more expensive than GPCs but are designed to eliminate refractive error from the cornea and provide patients with great vision, even with highly irregular corneas.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses can help remedy presbyopia. Monovision lenses are another option for presbyopia. These types of lenses can have one fitted for distance vision and the other for seeing close objects.
Simplify Vision Correction with Advanced Options at Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo
If you struggle to wear contacts, our contact lens specialists may be able to help! At Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo, we emphasize a thorough consultation process, carefully examining your medical history to ensure that your treatment aligns perfectly with your individual needs.
Our dedicated team of eye doctors works collaboratively with you to evaluate the best treatment options available, creating a personalized plan that alleviates discomfort. We make it easy to correct vision loss with our care and regular eye exams that prioritize every aspect of your eye health.
Alleviate Your Eye Problems with Ease
Take charge of your eye health today! Book your eye exam or contact lens appointment with us at Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo, where we have proudly served the Provo community for over 40 years. Experience our commitment to exceptional care that always aims to exceed your expectations. Call us at (801) 373-4550 or reach out online to schedule your visit. We look forward to welcoming you soon!