Understanding Medical Contact Lenses: Exploring Their Role in Vision Correction

If you are one of the millions of people around the world who rely on vision correction, you may have considered using contact lenses as an alternative to glasses. While standard contact lenses are a popular cosmetic choice for many, some patients cannot attain functional vision without the use of a therapeutic contact lens. These lenses are customized and designed to improve vision or protect the ocular surface in the setting of moderate to advanced ocular surface diseases. The doctors at Korb & Associates are nationally recognized as experts in the field of complex contact lens fitting. Dr.Amy Nau is a Diplomate in the contact lens section of the American Academy of Optometry, a distinction bestowed on fewer than one percent of optometrists.  Dr. Andrew McLeod is a Fellow in the contact lens section of the American Academy of Optometry and obtained his master’s degree in the with a focus on complex lens fitting.
 

Medical Eye Conditions That Can Be Treated with Custom Contact Lenses

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the shape of the cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. Scarring can sometimes occur because of tissue deformation. A similar type of corneal ectasia, or “bulging” can also happen after laser vision correction or other surgical procedures.  This irregular corneal shape results in distorted vision and can be challenging to correct with traditional glasses and commodity lenses are often not able to be used because they will not fit over the irregular surfaces.  However, medical contact lenses, such as custom gas permeable, custom soft, hybrid or  scleral lenses can effectively manage these conditions by providing a smoother and more uniform optical surfaces through which light can travel and focus on the retina. Forefront Eye Care is the only practice in New England offering Eyeprint lenses, which are created based on an impression made of the eye. We are also able to make topography guided WAVE lenses in all designs using a computer image of the ocular surface providing exceptional vision and comfort with unlimited options for customization.
 

Eye injuries and trauma can have a significant impact on your vision. These often cause elevations and scars on the cornea which can be masked by lenses. Damage to the colored part of an eye (the iris) lets too much light into the eye reducing vision or causing poor appearance. Custom lenses can produce false irises and can be exactly matched to the normal eye. These kinds of medical lenses are also very useful to improve the cosmetic appearance of an extremely damaged eye. Conditions that cause recurrent erosions, painful filaments, poorly healing wounds, nerve damage from herpetic corneal infections, wound leaks after surgery, or severe dry eye can be helped by bandage contacts made from traditional materials or amniotic membranes. Patients with severe dryness can also benefit from scleral lenses which provide a shield against tear evaporation.
 

Some patients have severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, or extreme amounts of astigmatism which fall outside the parameters that regular contact lenses are made. In some cases, contact lenses can also be used to manage double vision.
 

No matter what the reason for medical contact lens use, it is imperative that the fit is done in a meticulous way so as not to damage already compromised eyes. It is also critical that these patients adhere to all recommendations for lens care and follow up visits. Our office has the resources available to help patients maximize insurance reimbursement for these services.

How to Get Fitted for Medical Contact Lenses

Many of our medical lens patients are referred by their primary optometrist or corneal sub-specialist.  The process of getting fit with medical contact lenses begins with a thorough review of your condition as well as an exploration of other ocular conditions, medical issues or environmental factors that present potential barriers to success. Additional information about your visual habits and needs, as well as special measurements are required. Based on this information, they will recommend the most suitable type of medical contact lens for your specific condition and discuss these options with you.
 

Our billing team will then meet with the patient to review the expected costs and insurance coverage. Next, the fitting occurs which usually takes between 3 and 5 visits where the lens design is optimized.  After the lenses are ready to dispense, training about how to handle and properly care for lenses is provided. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the contact lenses.
 

Forefront Eye Care is committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout your journey with medical contact lenses. We understand the importance of clear vision and strive to exceed your expectations in delivering the best possible outcomes.
 

Schedule a consultation at Forefront Eye Care and discover how medical contact lenses can transform your vision and improve your quality of life. Call us at (617) 322-0534 or visit our office in Boston, Massachusetts, to book an appointment today.