Why Specialty Contact Lenses Are a Game-Changer for Your Vision and Lifestyle

If you’ve ever been told you’re not a good candidate for contact lenses, don’t give up just yet. Many people in Reno struggle with standard soft lenses due to conditions like astigmatism, dry eyes, or keratoconus—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Specialty contact lenses are designed to address these unique vision challenges, offering sharper clarity, greater comfort, and a customized fit. Whether you’ve had difficulty with contacts in the past or you’re simply looking for a better vision solution, specialty lenses can be a game-changer for your lifestyle.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Unlike standard soft lenses, specialty contact lenses are designed for people with unique vision needs. These lenses go beyond the one-size-fits-all approach, using advanced materials and designs to correct complex prescriptions and enhance comfort. Whether you have an irregular cornea, need multifocal vision correction, or simply want sharper vision with better eye health, there’s likely a specialty lens that’s right for you.
 

Who Can Benefit from Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contacts are ideal for anyone who:

  • Has astigmatism, keratoconus, or corneal irregularities

  • Suffers from dry eye syndrome and finds regular contacts uncomfortable

  • Needs multifocal correction for presbyopia

  • Has had eye surgery, such as LASIK or corneal transplants

  • Struggles with standard soft lenses due to a high prescription or poor fit
     

Many Reno residents find these lenses particularly helpful in our dry climate, where traditional soft contacts can quickly become irritating.
 

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

  • Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses: GP lenses are smaller, rigid lenses that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, promoting healthier eyes and sharper vision. Unlike soft lenses, they maintain their shape, providing more precise correction for conditions like astigmatism and keratoconus.

  • Piggyback Lenses: For those who need the stability of a rigid lens but struggle with comfort, piggyback lenses combine a soft lens underneath a gas permeable lens. This setup cushions the eye while still providing the clear vision benefits of a GP lens.

  • Monofocal Lenses: Monofocal lenses correct vision at a single distance, whether for nearsightedness or farsightedness. They’re a great option for those who want a crisp, consistent prescription without the adjustments required for multifocal lenses.

  • Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses are larger, vaulting over the cornea and resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). Because they create a liquid reservoir between the lens and the eye, they are a game-changer for people with dry eye syndrome or irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus.

  • Bifocal and Multifocal Lenses: For those who need both near and distance correction, bifocal or multifocal lenses offer a seamless transition between vision zones. These lenses are particularly useful for people over 40 who want to reduce dependence on reading glasses.
     

Finding the Right Contact Lenses in Reno

At Optic Gallery South Meadows, we know that no two eyes are alike—especially in our high-desert climate, where dryness and allergens can make wearing standard contacts a challenge. We take a personalized approach, using advanced technology to measure your eyes and customize the best lens for your needs.
 

If you’ve struggled with discomfort or blurry vision in the past, specialty contact lenses could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Schedule a contact lens exam with Optic Gallery South Meadows and experience the difference customized vision correction can make. Visit our office in Reno, Nevada, or call (775) 451-3937 to book an appointment today.