Specialty Contact Lenses

Finding the right vision solution isn’t always straightforward, especially for individuals with unique eye conditions or specific lifestyle needs. At Gulfcoast Eye Center, we’re dedicated to providing advanced, personalized eye care, including specialty contact lenses. These innovative lenses are designed to address complex vision challenges while enhancing comfort and clarity.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large-diameter contact lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white of the eye). Unlike traditional lenses, they create a smooth optical surface and hold a fluid reservoir between the lens and the eye, providing hydration and protection to compromised corneas.

At Gulfcoast Eye Center, we’re known for successfully fitting scleral lenses for patients referred to us by other eye care professionals - often because these lenses are the only option that allows them to see clearly again. In many cases involving corneal abnormalities, there are no other effective treatments, including surgical options. Scleral lenses have helped restore vision in patients who previously had none, making them a life-changing solution.

​​​​​​​Conditions Scleral Lenses Can Help With:

• Keratoconus: Provides a smooth optical surface to correct distorted vision.
• Severe Dry Eye Syndrome: Maintains moisture with a fluid reservoir.
• Post-Surgical Vision Issues: Helps with clarity after LASIK or corneal transplants.
• Corneal Scarring or Irregularities: Compensates for distortion to improve vision.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses:

• Enhanced comfort for sensitive eyes.
• Stable vision correction for complex cases.
• Long-lasting hydration.
• Protection that promotes corneal healing.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are smaller than scleral lenses and rest directly on the cornea. These lenses are highly oxygen-permeable and provide precise, crisp vision, especially for patients with high astigmatism, keratoconus, or irregular corneal shapes that soft lenses may not adequately correct. Due to their rigid structure, RGP lenses maintain their shape on the eye, allowing them to mask corneal irregularities and deliver sharper vision.

SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses

For patients who need the clarity of a rigid lens but desire the comfort of a soft lens, SynergEyes hybrid lenses offer the best of both worlds. These lenses feature a gas-permeable center for sharp vision and a soft skirt around the edge to enhance comfort and stability. They are ideal for patients with irregular corneas or moderate to advanced astigmatism.

Asthmatic Correction and Bifocal or Multifocal Correction

Whether you're wearing scleral, RGP, SynergEyes, or soft contact lenses, all of these lens types are available with astigmatic correction and bifocal or multifocal designs. We fit a significant number of patients with multifocal contacts, which allow clear vision at multiple distances, giving patients the freedom to reduce or eliminate their dependence on reading glasses.

Myopia Control Contact Lenses

As part of our commitment to protecting lifelong vision, we also offer myopia control contact lenses - a proactive approach to slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children and young adults.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K uses custom rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting vision so patients can see clearly throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. In addition to providing daytime freedom, Ortho-K has been clinically shown to slow the progression of myopia, making it a powerful dual-purpose solution.

MiSight® 1 day by CooperVision

MiSight® lenses are the only FDA-approved daily disposable contact lenses specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. These soft lenses offer an effective and convenient solution for young patients. Our practice is proud to currently participate in an ongoing study involving MiSight lenses, contributing to further advancements in myopia management and providing access to cutting-edge care for our patients.

Getting Fitted with Specialty Contact Lenses

At Gulfcoast Eye Center, we prioritize precision and comfort to ensure every patient receives the best possible outcome from their specialty lenses. Every fitting begins with a comprehensive eye examination to assess your vision needs and eye health. We take time to understand your lifestyle, challenges, and goals to determine the best lens type for you. Using advanced diagnostic technology, we create a detailed map of your cornea to ensure a precise lens fit, enhancing both clarity and comfort.

Schedule your eye exam today and discover how specialty contact lenses can transform your vision.