Did You Know That There Are Contact Lenses Used for Medical Purposes?

What Kinds of Conditions Require Medical Contacts?

There are several types of ocular diseases and conditions in which standard glasses cannot provide adequate corrective measures. In these instances, contacts become a necessity rather than a cosmetic option. The following conditions sometimes require such lenses:

• Ametropia: These include cases where someone has such a high prescription that is no longer effective. Myopia (nearsightedness) is a type of ametropia, and myopia management often involves the use of contact lenses to slow down the progression of the condition.In these examples, contacts provide superior benefits.
• Anisometropia: An ocular condition where the eyes have unequal focus or power.
• Aphakia: A condition involving the absence or removal of an ocular lens, either from trauma, surgery, or an underlying condition.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: People with severely dry eyes are sometimes prescribed lenses that provide a more moisturized environment. Scleral lenses are sometimes prescribed for this condition.
• Corneal Irregularities: Corneas that are shaped differently. Keratoconus is an ocular disease that causes structural damage and alters the shape from spherical to cone-shaped. Other corneal complications that are treated with contacts include Fuchs’ dystrophy which causes a thickening of the cornea, blurriness, and sensitivity to light/glare; and Lattice dystrophy, which can cause pain (a sensation that something is in the eye), tearing, blurriness, and sensitivity to light and glare.
• Corneal surgery: Sometimes complications involving scarring occur after corneal surgeries such as Lasik, Prk, and LASEK. In such instances, standard glasses are inadequate and speciality contacts may be necessary. These include the use of scleral lenses which rest on the sclera portion of the eye, rather than the cornea.