Contact lenses address a wide range of vision conditions, including refractive errors and more complex eye health issues. At Collins Eye Center, patients receive personalized care and assessments to determine whether contact lenses are right for their vision needs. Here are four conditions for which an eye doctor might prescribe contact lenses to correct or manage:
1. Refractive Errors and Diagnosis
Refractive errors include conditions like nearsightedness, which makes distant objects blurry. Contact lenses correct the way light bends into the eye to help patients see clearly at all distances. Farsightedness affects close-up vision and may cause headaches or eyestrain. Patients with farsightedness who use contact lenses may experience more comfortable near vision. An irregularly shaped cornea or lens causes a condition known as astigmatism, which leads to blurred or distorted vision. Some contact lenses are designed to stay stable on the eye to correct uneven curvature and improve vision clarity.
Refractive errors and other conditions are identified during routine eye exams or contact lens exams. After a vision and eye health assessment, the eye doctor will recommend the correct lens type. Some contact lenses are designed for specific vision needs and can be replaced daily or monthly. At Collins Eye Center, our team identifies eye conditions and recommends lenses and treatment plans to restore vision clarity.
2. Age-Related Vision Loss and Changes
The lens of the eye naturally loses flexibility with age, making it harder for older individuals to focus on close-up tasks like reading. Farsightedness may develop due to aging, and it can progress over time. Rather than switching between reading and regular glasses, patients might find relief with multifocal contact lenses. These lenses offer different optical zones for clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. A vision specialist will determine which type of multifocal lens matches the individual’s correction level, lifestyle, and comfort preferences.
3. Irregular Corneas and Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea may thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. Rigid gas permeable (RGP), hybrid, or scleral lenses are designed to fit over the misshapen cornea. This creates a smooth optical surface to improve clarity. These specialty contact lenses are also beneficial for patients with irregular corneal surfaces caused by eye surgery, injury, or degenerative conditions. Eye doctors take eye measurements and schedule fittings to make sure the advanced lenses are effective for each patient.
4. Dry Eye and Post-Surgical Discomfort
Dry eye is a condition that affects tear production and quality, and it might lead to redness, irritation, and blurred vision. Specialty contact lenses may help individuals manage dry eye symptoms. These lenses are soft and made from breathable, moisture-retaining materials to keep the eye hydrated. Dry-eye contact lenses can improve vision stability and reduce dryness-related discomfort. At Collins Eye Center, our team offers dry-eye treatments, like Blephex, Lipiflow, and IPL, that can be paired with specialty contact lenses. This combination helps improve ocular health, enhance vision clarity, and reduce discomfort.
After eye surgeries such as LASIK, cataract removal, or corneal transplants, some patients might experience corneal shape and clarity changes. Customized contact lenses made with specialty materials help correct residual vision issues after surgery. This includes cases of corneal scarring, high prescriptions, or sensitivity to light. Specialty lenses provide visual improvement and protection for the eye surface.
Visit an Eye Doctor at Collins Eye Center
The right contact lenses help patients manage nearsightedness, keratoconus, and dry-eye syndrome. At Collins Eye Center, we provide comprehensive exams and lens fittings to make sure the contacts meet your medical and lifestyle needs. Schedule an eye exam with our team today to learn more about how contact lenses can improve your vision.
