Contact Lenses
Hard to Fit Contact Lenses
Hard to fit describes eyes that standard lenses do not work on: irregular corneas, post corneal transplant, post refractive surgery, high or irregular astigmatism, severe dry eye, and very high prescriptions.
Being told that your eyes are too difficult for contact lenses usually means the practice you asked does not fit specialty lenses, rather than that no lens exists. Most hard to fit eyes can be fitted by someone with the diagnostic sets and the mapping equipment to do it.
This has been a defining part of this practice for decades. The hero on the homepage of the old site said all types of lenses including hard to fit, and it is not a marketing line: patients travel here for it, some from other states.
What makes it possible is having the tools. Corneal topography to map the surface, OCT to measure clearance, and diagnostic sets deep enough to trial scleral, hybrid and custom rigid designs on the eye rather than order from a prescription and hope.
What is included
- Corneal topography and OCT imaging
- Access to scleral, hybrid and custom rigid diagnostic sets
- Diagnostic fitting on the eye across multiple designs
- Custom lens design and ordering
- Extended handling training
- Ongoing follow up and refitting as corneas change
Questions and answers
I have been told nothing will work for me.
It is worth a second opinion. Options have expanded enormously, particularly with scleral designs, and many patients told this five or ten years ago are fitted successfully now.
I have had a corneal transplant. Can I wear lenses?
Usually yes. Transplanted corneas are frequently irregular and scleral lenses handle them well by vaulting the graft entirely.
My vision is poor after LASIK. Can lenses help?
Often substantially. Post surgical irregularity responds well to scleral and rigid designs, which restore a smooth optical surface over the treated cornea.
How long does a specialty fitting take?
Most patients complete the initial process across two to three appointments over two to four weeks, including custom manufacture.
Talk to someone about hard to fit contact lenses
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.