The Importance of Specialty Contact Lens Fittings: Why Professional Fittings Matter

In the world of vision correction, contact lenses have long been a popular option for those seeking an alternative to glasses. While traditional soft contact lenses work for many, specialty lenses such as Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid lenses, scleral lenses, and myopia control lenses can often be the answer for individuals with more complex visual needs. Whether it’s a unique prescription, corneal shape, or specific eye condition, these lenses offer tailored solutions when properly fitted by a skilled specialist.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why getting these specialty contact lenses fitted by an expert is so important, how the fitting process works, and the risks involved when these lenses aren’t fitted correctly.

The Importance of Professional Fitting

1. Comfort and Fit
When it comes to contact lenses, comfort is key. Complex lenses like RGP, hybrid, and scleral lenses are designed to address specific eye health needs and visual impairments, therefore an improper fit can lead to discomfort or even cause harm to the eye. A trained specialist understands the subtleties of fitting these lenses so that the lenses can sit correctly on the eyes ensuring stability, comfort, and most importantly clarity.

2. Visual Clarity
One of the main reasons individuals opt for specialty lenses is to enhance visual clarity, whether it's for conditions like keratoconus, astigmatism, presbyopia, or myopia control. RGP lenses and scleral lenses, for example, provide sharp and stable vision due to their rigid nature and ability to form a smooth optical surface over irregular corneas. An improper fitting may cause blurred vision, which would defeat the purpose of wearing these lenses in the first place.

3. Long-Term Eye Health
Specialty lenses are not just about vision but also eye health. Incorrectly fitted lenses can lead to complications such as corneal abrasions, infections, or even more severe conditions like corneal hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the cornea). A proper fitting ensures that the lenses allow enough oxygen to reach the cornea without disrupting the natural tear film, which is essential for maintaining eye health.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses and Their Fitting Needs

1. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are durable, offer crisp vision, and are particularly beneficial for individuals with astigmatism or corneal irregularities. These lenses need to be fitted precisely to ensure they align correctly with the cornea. Too tight or too loose a fit can lead to irritation, discomfort, or poor visual performance. A specialist will carefully assess the curvature and size of your cornea to ensure the RGP lens sits comfortably and provides clear vision.

2. Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine the best of both worlds: the comfort of a soft lens and the clarity of a rigid lens. They feature a rigid center with a soft outer skirt, making them ideal for those with astigmatism or irregular corneas who find traditional RGP lenses uncomfortable. A hybrid lens must fit snugly but not too tightly, with enough movement to avoid excessive friction against the cornea. A professional fitting ensures the lenses are aligned properly for maximum comfort and optical performance.

3. Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are large-diameter lenses that vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). These lenses are often used for individuals with severe dry eye, keratoconus, corneal transplants or other corneal irregularities and abnormalities. Fitting scleral lenses involves meticulous measurements of the cornea's curvature, as well as the scleral (white of the eye), to ensure that the lens forms a stable, airtight seal and provides optimal comfort and clarity. A professional fitting also helps to ensure that there is enough space for a tear reservoir under the lens, which is crucial for preventing dryness and irritation.

4. Myopia Control Lenses
Myopia control lenses including overnight Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), or specialized soft lenses like MiSight are designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children and adolescents. A proper fitting is critical not only for vision correction but also for slowing myopia progression, an improper fitting can lead to ineffective treatment and possible long-term eye health risks. 

How Proper Fittings Are Done

A specialty contact lens fitting is a detailed and multi-step process, often requiring a comprehensive eye exam and several follow-up visits. Here’s what the process generally looks like:

1. Eye Exam and Corneal Mapping
The process starts with a thorough eye exam, which may include corneal topography (mapping) to assess the shape and curvature of your cornea. This technology creates a detailed map of the corneal surface, which is essential for determining the correct lens type and fit. The exam may also include measurements of the eye’s size and the tear film to ensure the lenses won’t disrupt natural eye lubrication.

2. Trial Lenses
Once the appropriate lens type has been selected, trial lenses are used to assess the fit. The specialist will check for proper centration (how the lens sits on the cornea), movement (how the lens shifts with blinking), and comfort. During this stage, the specialist may also perform vision tests to ensure that the lenses provide clear and stable vision.

3. Adjustments
Sometimes, slight adjustments are made based on the trial fitting. This could involve altering the curvature of the lens or changing the material to better suit your eye shape. After the fitting, the specialist will observe how the lenses perform over time and ensure that they are providing the desired level of comfort and visual clarity. Should the lens need any adjustments, then the provider will order you a new lens with the necessary adjustments to be trialed at your next follow up appointment.

4. Follow-up Appointments
Specialty lenses often require a few follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit and ensure optimal comfort and vision. During these visits, the specialist may also monitor for any signs of eye irritation or discomfort, making further adjustments if necessary. 

It is important to remain patient and committed to the process, as the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. A proper fit ensures better vision, improved comfort, and better eye health, making the investment of time a crucial step toward experiencing the full advantages of specialty lenses. Staying steadfast during the fitting process will lead to a much more rewarding and successful outcome.

Risks of Improper Fitting

While specialty contact lenses offer numerous benefits, failing to get them properly fitted can lead to several risks:

• Corneal Damage: Poorly fitted lenses can cause corneal abrasions, infections, or ulcers. This can occur when a lens moves too much, rubs against the cornea, or doesn’t allow enough oxygen to reach the eye.

• Infection and Dryness: Specialty lenses, particularly scleral lenses, create a tear reservoir between the lens and the cornea. If the lens doesn’t fit correctly, it can cause dryness, irritation, and an increased risk of eye infections.

• Reduced Vision Quality: If the lenses are not fitted properly, they may not provide the sharp, stable vision they are designed to offer. An improper fit can lead to blurry vision or inconsistent focus, defeating the purpose of wearing these lenses.

• Discomfort: Improperly fitted lenses can cause significant discomfort, including irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light. This can lead to a decrease in compliance, meaning individuals may stop wearing their lenses altogether, which defeats the purpose of choosing contact lenses in the first place.

Conclusion

Specialty contact lenses offer tailored solutions for individuals with unique vision and eye health needs, but achieving the desired results requires more than just selecting the right lens. Proper fitting by a skilled professional is critical to ensure comfort, clarity, and long-term eye health. Whether you are considering RGP, hybrid, scleral, or myopia control lenses, investing time and effort into getting properly fitted is essential. Not only does it enhance the benefits of your lenses, but it also minimizes the risk of complications that could affect both your vision and your eye health. So, make sure to consult with an experienced eye care specialist to get the best fit for your eyes and your lifestyle!