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Customized Specialty Contact Lenses for Complex Vision Conditions


Contact lenses aren’t one-size-fits-all because eyes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and vision conditions. That’s why some people find it more challenging to get the right fit. Fortunately, the wide selection of specialty contact lenses available today means almost everyone can wear contacts comfortably.

At Gaddie Eye Centers, our experienced eye doctors are skilled in fitting even the most complex vision conditions with hard-to-fit contact lenses.

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Home » Contact Lenses » Specialty Contact Lenses

Meet Our Specialty Contact Lens Experts


Dr. Robert Ensley and Dr. Anthony Swanholm are experts in fitting specialty contact lenses. Dr. Ensley completed a cornea and contact lens residency at the University of Missouri-St. Louis has extensive experience treating hard-to-fit vision conditions, such as keratoconus, irregular corneas, and severe dry eye syndrome. Dr. Swanholm, who finished a cornea and contact lens residency at the Michigan College of Optometry, is highly qualified in fitting various specialty lenses, including scleral lenses, ortho-k lenses/myopia control, and multifocal contact lenses.

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Our eye doctors will check your eyes and vision thoroughly to identify which specialty contact lenses will give you the best fit.

Hard-to-Fit Vision Conditions and Specialty Lenses


Many ocular conditions can make it difficult to wear standard contacts. Some of the most typical reasons include:

  • Keratoconus
  • Corneal scarring
  • Dry eye syndrome
  • Pellucid marginal degeneration
  • Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
  • Post-LASIK or other refractive procedure
  • Presbyopia
  • Astigmatism

Toric Lenses for Astigmatism


Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has two curves instead of one, leading to double or blurry vision. Conventional contact lenses are often ineffective in correcting this, but toric lenses are a tailored solution that provides clear vision for those with astigmatism.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses


RGP lenses allow a significant amount of oxygen to reach the eye, which is essential for maintaining healthy corneas. These lenses are ideal for patients with high astigmatism or those who require multifocal prescriptions, as they offer crisp vision and reduce the risk of eye infections.

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus


Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, making standard soft contacts unsuitable. Scleral lenses, rigid gas permeable contacts with an extra-wide diameter, vault over the cornea, providing a smooth surface and clear vision. They also create a tear-filled gap that benefits those with dry eye syndrome.

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Specialized Contact Lens Options in Northern Kentucky

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Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)


GPC is an inflammatory condition of the inner eyelid, often caused by protein deposits on soft contact lenses. Our eye doctors may recommend RGP lenses or daily disposables to prevent this build-up and alleviate symptoms.

Hybrid Lenses


Hybrid lenses combine a hard GP center with a soft outer ring, offering comfort and sharp vision. These lenses are suitable for normal and irregular corneas and are available as multifocals for those with presbyopia.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses


Patients wear ortho-k lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness. The result is clear vision during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k lenses also slow the progression of myopia in children.