Exploring the Different Types of Specialty Contacts: Which Lens is Right for You?

If you live in Northern Virginia and struggle with finding comfortable contact lenses, you’re not alone. Standard contacts work well for many, but not everyone’s eyes fit the “one-size-fits-all” approach. Whether you have dry eyes, astigmatism, keratoconus, or a high prescription, specialty contact lenses could be the key to sharper, more comfortable vision.

At Visual Health Doctors of Optometry, we work with patients across Northern Virginia to find the right contact lenses for their unique needs. Let’s take a closer look at different types of specialty contacts and how they can help.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contacts and rest on the sclera (the white part of your eye) rather than the cornea. This creates a fluid-filled cushion between the lens and your eye, which can be life-changing for people with dry eye syndrome or corneal conditions like keratoconus. If you’ve been dealing with discomfort, redness, or contacts that just don’t sit right, scleral lenses might be the solution.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable lenses, or RGPs, are smaller than soft lenses and offer sharper vision, especially for patients with high prescriptions or astigmatism. Unlike soft lenses, RGPs maintain their shape on your eye, providing consistent clarity throughout the day. While they do require an adjustment period, many people find RGP lenses offer superior vision quality, making them worth the initial learning curve.

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the sharp optics of an RGP lens with the comfort of a soft lens. They feature a rigid center for clear vision and a soft skirt for better stability and comfort. These are a great option for those who need crisp vision correction but find RGPs uncomfortable. If you've tried RGP lenses in the past and had trouble with comfort, hybrid lenses may be a better fit.

Toric Contact Lenses

If you have astigmatism, you may have struggled with standard soft contact lenses slipping or not providing clear vision. Toric lenses are specially designed to stay in place and provide stable correction for astigmatism. A custom toric lens fitting can make all the difference in comfort and clarity.

Which Contact Lens is Right for You?

Choosing the right specialty contact lens isn’t just about vision correction—it’s about comfort, lifestyle, and eye health. At Visual Health Doctors of Optometry, we take the time to understand your unique needs and find the perfect contact lenses for you.

If you’re ready to find the perfect contacts, schedule a consultation withVisual Health Doctors of Optometry, and take the next step toward better vision. Visit any of our offices in Alexandria, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, or Woodbridge, Virginia. Contact a location nearest you, or book an appointment on our website today.