Contact Lens Types

Contact Lens Types

The evolution of contact lens materials has expanded possibilities for patients who previously struggled with traditional eyewear. While soft lenses offer immediate comfort for many, certain physiological conditions require the structural precision of specialized optics. Our practice serves as a regional center for these advanced technologies, offering everything from standard disposables to complex rigid systems. We focus on the biological health of the cornea, selecting materials that maximize oxygen transmission to maintain the vitality of ocular tissue.

For patients seeking freedom from daytime corrective wear, we provide Orthokeratology (Ortho-K). This specialized treatment involves custom-designed, oxygen-permeable lenses worn only during sleep. These lenses gently reshape the corneal surface overnight, allowing clear vision throughout the following day without the need for glasses or standard contact lenses. This method is a primary tool for myopia management among active students and athletes across the US-6 and SR-3 corridors.

Specialized Modalities for Complex Corneas

Certain ocular conditions, such as keratoconus or significant astigmatism, demand a more robust mechanical approach than a standard soft lens can provide. We utilize Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses to provide crisp, high-definition vision by creating a perfectly smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea. Our clinics in Kendallville, Albion, and Ligonier also offer hybrid lenses, which combine the sharp optics of a rigid center with the peripheral comfort of a soft silicone hydrogel skirt.

For those with severe Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) or highly irregular corneal shapes, we fit scleral lenses. These large-diameter lenses vault entirely over the sensitive corneal tissue and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. The space between the lens and the cornea holds a constant reservoir of sterile saline, providing a continuous therapeutic bath for the eye. This technology offers a life-changing solution for patients who have exhausted traditional correction methods.

Custom Vision Solutions for Northern Indiana

Whether you are navigating the workday in Kendallville or spending an afternoon at the Noble County Fairgrounds, your vision should feel effortless. We analyze your lifestyle requirements alongside your clinical data to determine the ideal lens type for your visual trajectory. Our team provides comprehensive training for all specialty lenses, ensuring you master the specific insertion and removal techniques required for more advanced designs.

Choosing the right lens involves more than just a power measurement; it requires a careful assessment of how a material interacts with your unique tear chemistry. By providing access to a locally based advanced contact lens lab, we eliminate the need for patients to travel to distant metro areas for specialized care. We stand by the clinical necessity of a perfect fit and monitor your progress through follow-up evaluations to ensure long-term success and ocular comfort.

FAQS

What makes Orthokeratology different from regular contacts?

Unlike standard lenses that you wear during the day, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses work while you sleep to temporarily reshape the cornea. This allows you to go about your day with clear vision without any corrective devices. It is a popular choice for swimmers, athletes, and children with rapidly progressing nearsightedness.

Are Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses comfortable?

While RGP lenses require an initial adaptation period, many patients find them extremely comfortable once their eyes adjust to the sensation. These lenses offer superior durability and vision clarity compared to soft lenses, as they do not dehydrate or lose their shape on the eye.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have very dry eyes?

Many patients with dry eyes find relief through daily disposable lenses or specialized scleral lenses. Because scleral lenses maintain a layer of fluid against the eye at all times, they often serve as an effective treatment for chronic dryness while simultaneously correcting vision.

How do I care for my specialty lenses?

Specialty lenses often require specific cleaning solutions and storage protocols to maintain their surface integrity. Our staff provides a detailed care kit and personalized instructions to ensure your lenses remain sterile and provide the best possible optical performance.