In the world of optometry, particularly in eyewear fitting practices, understanding the challenges of fitting contact lenses is essential. While contact lenses provide an appealing alternative to eyeglasses, offering convenience and flexibility for the wearer’s lifestyle, certain eye conditions and individual circumstances can make contact lens fitting more complex. This blog post explores five factors that can complicate contact lens fittings and discusses the types of contact lenses that might be prescribed for hard-to-fit eyes.
1. Genetic and Systemic Conditions
Certain genetic and systemic conditions directly influence how easy or difficult it is to fit contact lenses. For instance, Keratoconus, a condition where the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, distorts vision and makes standard contact lens fitting challenging. In such cases, scleral lenses or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are often recommended. These lenses are tailored to accommodate the irregular shape of the cornea, providing the necessary correction and comfort.
2. Previous Surgical Procedures
Patients who have undergone eye surgeries, including LASIK or other refractive surgeries, can also find contact lens fit to be a hurdle. Post-surgery alterations in the eye’s structure can require specialized fits. For example, RGP lenses or scleral lenses are particularly useful in addressing vision correction and comfort for post-surgical eyes, compensating for changes in the cornea.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a prevalent challenge among contact lens wearers. Traditional contact lenses can exacerbate dryness and discomfort. However, advances in eye care have introduced scleral lenses, which maintain a hydrating reservoir, and contacts designed specifically for dry eyes, incorporating materials and technologies to minimize dryness impact.
4. Astigmatism
When it comes to astigmatism, the irregular curvature of the eye’s surface can make fitting standard contact lenses problematic. A professional optometrist can prescribe toric lenses, which are designed to counteract the cornea’s uneven shape, or RGP lenses, which retain their shape on the eye, providing clearer vision.
5. Age
Presbyopia marks another age-related change complicating contact lens fitting. This condition affects near vision, often manifesting after age 40. Multifocal and bifocal contact lenses are designed to remedy this, offering correction for both near and distant vision. Additionally, monovision fitting—using one lens for distance and another for close work—is a strategy that can be customized for the wearer’s needs.
At Eyes On Norbeck, our dedication to the latest in contact lens technology and personalized fitting procedures ensures that even those with hard-to-fit eyes in Potomac, MD, can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses. We leverage advanced diagnostic tools and tailor fitting strategies to each patient’s unique ocular surface, ensuring optimal comfort and vision quality. Call us today at (301) 238-7199 or fill out our online form to schedule an eye exam.
