hard to fit contact lenses FAQS

Modern eye care offers corrective options ranging from eyeglasses to vision therapy - with contact lenses proving a popular choice for many. What does it mean when you're told you need specialized or "hard to fit" contacts? Our Hudson optometrist answers some frequently asked questions often received at Christenson Vision Care about hard to fit contacts.

What Does the Term "Hard to Fit" Mean?

Many people can make use of standard soft contact lenses to correct their mild or uncomplicated vision issues. "Hard to fit" contacts are lenses that are specialized in one way or other to address any complicating factors that make normal lenses less than ideal for you.

Which Eye Conditions Might Make Me “Hard to Fit” for Contact Lenses?

Dry eye sufferers often find that their condition gets worse if they wear standard contacts. Since standard contacts tend to accumulate proteins and other debris, they can trigger an inflammation called giant papillary conjunctivitis in some people. Yet another condition, keratoconus, causing a bulge in the cornea that is hard to compensate for with ordinary contacts.

How Does My Corrective Prescription Affect My Choice Contact Lens?

Standard soft contacts sometimes meet their match with very strong refractive errors, such as severe myopia, astigmatism, or farsightedness. Presbyopia requires correction of more than one distance field, which adds an additional degree of complication.

Can a Regular Eye Exam Determine Whether I Need Hard to Fit Contacts?

A contact lens exam is performed in addition to the standard eye and vision exam. Contact lens examinations help your eye doctor guide you toward the right type of contacts, including hard to fit contacts.

What Happens in a Contact Lens Exam?

Your optometrist measures the pupils, irises, and corneal curvature of both eyes with great precision. We also evaluate the strength and complexity of your particular vision challenges and discuss any underlying eye health issues you may have.

What Are Some Examples of Hard to Fit Contacts?

Rigid gas permeable lenses are often preferred over soft contacts for their ability to correct strong prescriptions while accumulating relatively little protein debris. Toric contacts are specially crafted to correct astigmatism. Scleral contacts extend completely over bulging corneas to compensate for keratoconus. Multifocal lenses contain multiple distance segments for patients with presbyopia.
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Schedule an Appointment with Christenson Vision Care in Hudson, WI

From contact lenses to vision therapy, Christenson Vision Care has your eye care answers. Call (715) 381-1234 to schedule a consultation with our optometrists in Hudson, WI!