Do you have a vision or eye condition that makes it hard to wear standard soft contacts? If so, the eye doctor may recommend specialty lenses. The lenses help protect the eye surface while providing effective vision correction. 

There are various specialty lenses, including scleral lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, orthokeratology, and more. 

Caring for Specialty Lenses
 

Eye specialists recommend care strategies for specialty lenses that differ slightly from standard lenses. If you are switching from regular lenses, do not make assumptions for wear, removal, and maintenance. Each lens type has its care regimen. It is essential to follow instructions for the best practices. 

During contact lens fitting, the eye doctor will take you through overall lens wear and care. The lenses are designed for multiple use and require extreme care. They are also more costly, so proper care will ensure you maximize their value.

Use the Right Products 

Ensure you use the right tools and products to care for your specialty lenses. Read and follow the instructions that come with the lenses. You will find recommendations for the best cleaning products. 

Learn about tools you may need when inserting or removing the lenses. For scleral lenses, you will require an insertion and removal device. Always use a quality case to store your lenses. It will help prevent damage. 

Follow Special Steps

Specialty contact lenses usually require an insertion process different from that of conventional lenses. It may be more complicated as it involves extra steps. You may need to fill the lenses with solution before you insert them. 

Do not skip any step, as it may affect vision correction. Filling the space between the lens and eye surface helps enhance vision correction, eye health, and comfort. Fill the lenses to the brim with the saline solution to prevent the formation of bubbles. 

Order of Insertion

Inserting your lenses in the same order daily will help prevent mix up. It is essential to realize that customized contact lenses are not interchangeable. They are designed to fit each eye. You must insert the correct lens in the specific eye. 

Following the same order will ensure you do not fix a lens in the wrong eye. Continue the same order when cleaning your lenses to help you keep track. Some lens designs have marks to differentiate between the right and left lenses.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Ensure to clean and disinfect your contact lenses immediately after removal. This step will help remove all traces of bacteria and protein buildup from the lenses. Improper cleaning or failing to disinfect the lenses may lead to eye infections. Store the lenses correctly according to the instructions. Do not reuse cleaning or storage solutions. 

Damaged eye lenses can scratch the eye surface or lead to the development of new blood vessels in the cornea. Avoid using eye drops with contact lenses unless the doctor recommends lubricating drops. If your eyes are red or painful, remove your lenses and contact your doctor. 

For more information on how to care for and maintain your specialty contact lenses, visit Patel Vision Group at our Visalia, Salinas, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, Fair Oaks, or Roseville, California office. Call (916) 788-2960, (916) 966-4700, (916) 629-8033, (831) 375-7755, (831) 443-5250, (559) 229-7955, or (559) 739-8550 to schedule an appointment today.