Due to corneal disease or trauma, some patients require specialty contact lens services to correct their vision. At Eye Associates of New Mexico, we have a select few optometrists that offer these highly specialized services.
Specialty medically necessary contact lenses are often prescribed for conditions such as keratoconus, irregular corneas due to scarring, post refractive surgery, corneal transplants, and severe dry eye. These lenses provide a more customized and comfortable solution for individuals with complex vision needs that cannot be adequately addressed with standard contact lenses or glasses.
Fitting of medically necessary contact lenses involves the process of selecting, prescribing, and customizing contact lenses to address the specific eye conditions that cannot be adequately corrected with standard contact lenses or glasses. These specialty lenses are often used for medical reasons rather than purely cosmetic purposes. This includes specialty soft contact lenses, corneal rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, and scleral lenses. Below is an overview of the fitting process for medically necessary specialty contact lenses.
Comprehensive Eye Examination
Before fitting specialty lenses, a comprehensive eye examination is performed to determine the specific visual requirements and underlying eye conditions that may benefit from medically necessary contact lenses.
Corneal Evaluation
The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, is thoroughly evaluated to assess the shape, curvature, and overall health. Specialized testing that includes topographical measurements are completed to determine the best lens design for each individual. Conditions like keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, or corneal scars may require specialized contact lenses for optimal correction.
Diagnostic Lenses
Diagnostic trial lenses are often placed on the eye during the fitting process. These lenses used to assist in the fitting process and allow the doctor to design a comfortable fitting lens with the correct focus for each individual.
Prescribing and Ordering of Specialty Contact Lenses
Once the optimal lens design is determined, a customized lens is ordered and sent to the office to be dispensed at a future visit.
Training and Education
At the dispensing visit patients are provided with training on proper lens insertion, removal, and care. Our doctors and staff will also provide education to prevent complications associated with wearing specialty contact lenses.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the adaption to the lenses, assess the fit over time, and make any necessary adjustments. These regular check-ups are critical to ensure ongoing comfort, good visual acuity, and overall eye health.
