Specialty Contact Lenses in Davis, CA

Specialty Contact Lenses

We see all sorts of patients at Helmus Optometry; while many can wear traditional soft contact lenses, others cannot due to sensitive eyes or a preexisting eye condition. We have had success fitting all types of patients into contact lenses, even patients that have been told previously that they are poor contact lens candidates. We understand you want options other than glasses, and we’re up for a challenge. We have successfully fit patients as young as the age of five into contact lenses.We will discuss the limitations of the available contact lens technology and outline visual expectations. We fit many types of specialty contacts, including dailies, multifocals, monovision, RGPs, hybrid, bitoric, ortho-k and scleral contact lenses. Curious if you’re a candidate for contact lenses? Schedule today to discuss with an eye care provider on our team.

Do You Struggle with Traditional Contacts?

Contact lens technology continues to evolve, allowing us to successfully fit more and more people. Many patients are under the impression that they cannot wear contact lenses because of astigmatism, presbyopia, dry eye, ocular allergies or other eye issues. Contact lenses are safer and more comfortable than ever. Finding the right prescription is rewarding for provider and patient alike.The first step is understanding your visual goals. Don’t shy away from asking us if quality vision without glasses is an option for you.

Specialty Lenses Start with A Contact Lens Exam

Every contact lens fitting starts with a comprehensive eye exam and careful refraction. The contact lens prescription is obtained from your accurate and updated glasses prescription. The success of your vision in contact lenses is rooted in this measurement. Because contact lenses sit within the tear film, we will also assess your ocular surface and eyelids. We may also perform a topography - akin to a map - of your cornea to understand curvature, astigmatism, and more. All of this data collection up front enables us to select an accurate trial lens. We will want you to wear your trial lenses for several days or weeks to test how your contact lenses perform throughout the day and while you go about your routine activities. Then we will schedule you back for a follow-up appointment to review lens performance, both in terms of vision and comfort. We want to stay in touch with you throughout the contact lens fitting process; we want to make sure your contact lenses are meeting your visual goals. Oftentimes, small changes can yield big improvements. Book your contact lens exam now!

Our Specialty Lens Options

Examples of contact lenses we offer:

• Scleral lenses
• Multifocals
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGPs)
• Ortho-K
• MiSight
• Custom Soft Contacts
• Hybrid Lenses

Scleral lenses

Scleral lenses are large lenses that vault the cornea and fit on the sclera, the white white of the eyes. They are an important option for patients who are unable to achieve good vision or comfort in traditional contact lenses due to irregular astigmatism or keratoconus. We also fit scleral lenses on patients who have a history of eye surgeries such as corneal transplants or unsuccessful LASIK. Because scleral lenses maintain a fluid reservoir against your eyes for longer periods of time, they are also effective tools for managing severe cases of dry eye.

Multifocal Lenses

We have been having tremendous success in fitting patients over the age of 45 in multifocal contact lenses. This is a great option for managing the annoying - but natural - symptoms of presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). Multifocal lenses are somewhat similar to bifocal or progressive glasses, in the sense that they have more than one prescription in a single lens, providing functional vision at distance and near. This is one realm of contact lens technology that has improved tremendously in recent years. If you have struggled with multifocal contact lenses previously, don’t be discouraged. We used to get discouraged too, but now we’re enthusiastic adopters and promoters.

Myopia Management for Children

Ever wondered about the long-term effects of your child's nearsightedness? Untreated myopia can impact their future in more ways than you might realize:

• Greater risk of eye diseases later in life
• Increased eyewear dependency
• Frequent prescription updates
• Difficulty with academics, sports, and socializing

Unfortunately, glasses only correct vision. They do not slow or halt the progression of myopia. However, there are now FDA-approved methods to simultaneously improve your child’s eyesight and slow their myopia! We offer a range of Myopia Management solutions, including specialty pediatric contact lenses and eye-relaxing eye drops. We will tailor a treatment plan to your child’s unique needs and lifestyle.To discuss myopia management, schedule a consultation today! In the meantime, learn more about myopia from one of our trusted partners.

​​​​​​​Ortho-k Contact Lenses

Many parents are unaware that their child’s nearsightedness — and their own — can be properly managed with the right treatment. Ortho-k, or “eyewear retainers,” are cornea reshaping hard contact lenses worn at night while you sleep. With a proper fit and prescription, these specialty contact lenses can remove the need for daytime eye correction. Studies have shown they can also reduce the progression of a childs’ myopia. This is one of our available tools for pediatric myopia management.

MiSight: FDA-Approved Contact Lenses for Myopia Management

MiSight 1-Day soft contact lenses are specialty daily disposable lenses designed for children for daytime use. These lenses correct your child’s blurry vision AND help keep it from getting worse! Our team will discuss your childs’ risk factors for myopia and set up a treatment plan that works for you and your child’s lifestyle.​​​​​​​

Rigid Gas Permeable

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are the “original” hard contact lens, but their design has advanced over time to make them effective at dealing with issues such as astigmatism and high myopia. Their permeable nature allows more oxygen to pass through, and because they are harder, they are more durable and sometimes offer more crip vision.

Why Choose Us?

We believe finding you the ideal contact lens is an art and science. At Helmus Optometry, our diverse team has the tools and expertise to uncover - and deliver - your specific vision needs and goals. We will make recommendations that are effective and reflective of you. Schedule a contact lens exam today to see how we can help you and your family achieve clear, comfortable vision.