The Difference Between Standard and Specialty Contact Lenses

Contact lenses have come a long way in providing patients with clear, comfortable vision. For many people, standard lenses are a great option, but others may benefit from specialty contact lenses designed to address more complex vision needs. Understanding the difference between these two categories can help you make the best choice for your eye health and lifestyle.

What Are Standard Contact Lenses?

Standard contact lenses are designed for patients with common vision issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. They are typically available in soft lens materials and come in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly options. Standard lenses are widely accessible, easy to fit, and comfortable for most patients.

Benefits of standard contact lenses include:

• Convenient and cost-effective

• Readily available in most prescriptions

• Comfortable and easy to adapt to

• Great for everyday wear

For individuals with straightforward vision correction needs, standard lenses usually provide excellent results.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed for patients with unique eye conditions or corneal shapes that standard lenses cannot properly address. These lenses require advanced fitting techniques and expertise to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

Common types of specialty lenses include:

• Scleral lenses: Rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vault over the cornea, ideal for keratoconus, irregular corneas, or severe dry eye.

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses: Provide crisp vision by maintaining their shape on the eye’s surface, often used for high astigmatism or irregular prescriptions.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses: Worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and temporarily reduce myopia, offering clear vision without daytime lenses.

• Custom soft lenses: Made to fit unusual corneal shapes or higher prescriptions that standard lenses cannot correct.

Benefits of specialty lenses include:

• Enhanced comfort and vision for complex prescriptions

• Solutions for irregular corneas or ocular conditions

• Options for patients with severe dry eye or scarring

• Alternative treatment options, such as slowing myopia progression in children

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between standard and specialty contact lenses depends on your eye health, vision needs, and lifestyle. While many patients enjoy the simplicity and effectiveness of standard lenses, those with more complex needs may find that specialty lenses provide life-changing comfort and clarity.

Find Your Perfect Fit with Coachella Valley Optometry

Both standard and specialty contact lenses have an important role in vision correction. At Coachella Valley Optometry, our experienced team provides comprehensive eye exams and precise contact lens fittings to ensure that every patient receives the best solution for their unique eyes. 

Schedule your contact lens exam with Coachella Valley Optometry to find the perfect contact lenses for your vision and lifestyle. Contact our office in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Indio, or Coachella, California. Call (760) 203-6770, (760) 848-4771, (760) 347-6636, (760) 332-3553, or visit our website to book an appointment today.