Contact lenses are not an easy solution for every person suffering with vision problems. Some eye conditions make wearing contacts a difficult proposition. However, it does not rule out wearing contact lenses altogether. It just means patients need to discuss options with their eye care provider and obtain specialized hard to fit contacts for their specific vision problems.
Reasons for Hard to Fit Contacts
Finding contact lenses that fit and wearing contact lenses in general can be made more challenging when these conditions affect your eyes:
- Astigmatism
- Dry eyes
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
- Keratoconus
- Presbyopia
Astigmatism: Astigmatism is not a health concern, but rather a common eye shape variation. It develops when the front of the eye curves into an oval shape rather than being round on a microscopic level. It causes blurred vision and can be difficult to correct because regular contacts cannot account for the bulging. Special contact lenses can work well for many patients with astigmatism, but astigmatism can change throughout a patient's lifetime.
Dry Eyes: When eyes become excessively dry, it leads to irritation, burning, redness and blurred vision. Contact lenses can exacerbate these conditions and so dry eyes are a very special consideration in contact lens evaluation and fitting decisions. The doctors at Envision Eyecare are careful to help patients with this eye condition know treatment options and only choose the best contact lens options when dry eyes don't limit contact lens wear completely.
GPC: This form of conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation on the inner surface of the eyelid. Protein buildup on contact lenses can make this condition worse. It can be difficult to treat but once diagnosed, proper treatment and changes to lens type and lens care can allow many patients with GPC to recover and often continue with contact lens wear. This condition tends to recur and patients must be vigilant about lens care, replacement, and proper monitoring.
Keratoconus: This is an uncommon condition of the cornea. Keratoconus happens when the cornea becomes thinner and allows the eye to bulge forward. The bulge forms into a cone shape. Special contact lenses can often be used to restore vision and limit the effects of keratoconus on vision.
Presbyopia: Eyes tend to have a tougher time focusing on close objects as they age. This condition is known as presbyopia. It typically affects people aged 40 or older. Multifocal contact lenses are often an option for this vision change and the doctors at Envision Eyecare have been among the first to offer options for patients who have both astigmatism and presbyopia.
Solutions for Hard to Fit Contacts
Wearing contacts is not impossible if you suffer from one of the above conditions. You do need to meet with an eye care professional, however, and get prescribed contact lenses that are tailored to deal with your specific vision condition. The doctors at Envision Eyecare will always have your best interest in mind when it comes to all vision correction options - including contact lenses for hard to fit concerns.