Hard To Fit Contacts FAQs

Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to eyeglasses. Contacts give you a more natural appearance, and you don't need to worry about your vision being obstructed by an eyeglass frame or dirty lenses. Many people are able to wear conventional soft lenses; however, others have conditions that make them hard to fit for contacts, and a special lens is necessary. Fortunately, our optometrist at Sylvan Eye Assoc. can match you with the perfect pair of contacts no matter your condition.

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Q: What Conditions Make You Hard To Fit for Contacts?

A: There are a few conditions of the eye that would make you hard to fit for contacts. These include:

  • Dry eye syndrome: This condition occurs when your eyes don't produce enough natural tears to keep your eyes lubricated. Because soft lenses draw moisture from the eyes, they would make your dry eye symptoms worse.
  • Keratoconus: This condition occurs when cannot hold its round shape, and it bulges into a cone shape. This makes it difficult for a soft lens to adhere to the cornea.
  • Giant papillary conjunctivitis: This is a chronic form of conjunctivitis, which causes itchy red bumps to form under the eyelid, and soft contact lenses can make this condition worse.
  • Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common refractive error. It is characterized by an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea. This imperfection can make it difficult to wear soft lenses.
  • Presbyopia: This condition begins after the age of 40. As you age, your lens can begin to harden, making it difficult to see objects that are close up. If you already need correction for your distance vision, conventional soft lenses aren't an option.

Q: What Types of Contacts Are Recommended if I Am Hard To Fit for Contacts?

A: There are a few types of contacts that work for the conditions listed above. The contacts that your ophthalmologist chooses would depend on the condition that you are suffering from.

  • Rigid gas-permeable: Unlike soft lenses, gas permeable lenses are rigid and hold their shape. This makes them a great choice if you have keratoconus. Because protein deposits don't adhere to these lenses the way they do on soft lenses, they are a good option for giant papillary conjunctivitis. Finally, they don't draw as much moisture from the eyes as soft lenses, and dry eye patients can wear them.
  • Scleral contacts: Scleral lenses don't fit over the cornea the way that soft lenses do. Instead, they sit on the white of your eye and vault over the cornea. These lenses are prescribed for dry eye since they don't sit on the eye, keratoconus, and giant papillary disease.
  • Toric lenses: Toric lenses are a special lens designed to treat astigmatism.
  • Bifocal contacts: Bifocal contacts contain a prescription for close-up and one for distance. They are often prescribed for patients with presbyopia.
  • Monovision contacts: If you can't get used to bifocal contacts, monovision is an option. Your eye doctor would prescribe a contact to correct your distance vision for one eye, one to correct your close-up vision for the other eye.

Visit Our Optometrist

If you have eyes that are hard to fit for contacts, the doctors at Sylvan Eye Assoc. in Modesto can help. We can pair you with the perfect pair of lenses for your condition and lifestyle. For more information about hard to fit contacts or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor, call us at (209) 575-2020.

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Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "The staff at Sylvan Vision is always friendly and helpful. The selection of frames is also excellent. Their location is convenient and easy to find. I recommend them!"
    Denise R - Modesto, CA