Complex & Medical Contact Lenses
Our complex contact lens clinics, led by principal optometrist Sophie Taylor-West, specialise in fitting complex contact lenses for ocular diseases and visual disorders.
Since 2007, Sophie has pioneered the fitting of innovative lens designs like Soclear, Synergeyes, Zenlens, Wave, ICD and Eyeprint Pro in the UK. Her expertise extends from prestigious Harley Street practice to Moorfields and Sussex Eye Hospitals.
Sophie established the Scleral Lens Centre, a specialised clinic located in our Hove branch, dedicated to showcasing our expertise in scleral and specialty contact lens fitting.
This unique clinic combines cutting-edge eye scanning technology with Sophie’s extensive experience to deliver top-tier visual rehabilitation services. By focusing on these advanced techniques, the Scleral Lens Centre differentiates itself in the field of specialty lenses, offering personalised solutions and exceptional care for complex vision needs. For more detailed information, visit the Scleral Lens Centre website.
Scleral and medical lens fitting is also offered in our Battersea and Dulwich branches with our optometrists Darlynn, Shalona and Lizzie.
What are Complex Contact Lenses?
Complex contact lenses are custom-designed lenses made to address a variety of challenging eye conditions and high prescriptions. They are tailored to fit eyes that cannot be adequately corrected with standard lenses or glasses, often due to conditions such as keratoconus, corneal irregularities, or high refractive errors.
This progressive condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, resulting in distorted vision. Complex lenses, such as scleral and hybrid lenses, provide a smooth optical surface that improves visual clarity.
Patients with high refractive errors or significant astigmatism often benefit from complex lenses that offer precise and stable vision correction. These lenses are designed to address unique visual challenges and provide optimal clarity.
Any condition that leads to an uneven corneal surface, such as corneal scarring or degeneration, may require specialized lenses to ensure optimal vision and comfort.
Scleral contact lenses offer transformative relief for individuals with ocular surface diseases such as dry eye, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. By covering the entire cornea and shielding the ocular surface from environmental factors, these lenses alleviate pain and blurred vision. They create a protective barrier that keeps the eye hydrated, providing significant comfort and reducing discomfort associated with these conditions. Scleral lenses are an effective solution for those seeking enhanced vision and comfort in managing their ocular surface disorders.
Complex contact lenses are crafted with precision to meet the unique needs of each patient, providing superior vision correction and comfort.
Types of Complex Contact Lenses:
Scleral Lenses
These large-diameter rigid lenses are designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, providing a smooth optical surface. They are ideal for people with irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus, as well as patients with severe dry eye syndrome and other ocular surface diseases. Scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, offering comfort and stability while protecting the corneal surface.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas-permeable centre with a soft lens skirt. This design offers the visual clarity of hard lenses with the comfort of soft lenses. Hybrid lenses are particularly effective for individuals with keratoconus or astigmatism, providing enhanced vision and comfort compared to traditional lenses.
Specialist Soft Lenses
These lenses are customised for irregular corneas or high prescriptions. They offer a tailored fit for conditions such as keratoconus and post-surgical corneal changes, ensuring comfort and improved vision. Specialist soft lenses are designed to accommodate a variety of corneal shapes and sizes.
Corneal Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are small, rigid lenses that rest directly on the cornea. They are used for precise vision correction in patients with conditions like keratoconus, high astigmatism, or post-refractive surgery. RGP lenses provide excellent vision quality and durability.
EyePrint Pro
The Scleral Lens Centre, Hove is one of only four centres in the UK which is accredited to fit these remarkable lenses.
EyePrint Pro lenses are made using a physical mould taken of the entire front of the eye, using a special amalgam which starts as a runny liquid and then quickly sets in the eye, allowing a perfect impression to be taken of the front of the eye. The impression is then scanned to make a 3D model of the eye on a computer, upon which a contact lens can then be designed by hand, to perfectly conform to every lump, bump and wrinkle of the eye, producing a lens which fits like a proverbial glove! These lenses provide exceptional stability and comfort. The can also incorporate up to 4 dioptres of prism in each lens in any direction.
Cosmetic Contact Lenses
We are also able to fit cosmetic contact lenses. This is usually to mask an ocular defect or abnormality such as scarring, which an individual might feel self-conscious about. They can also be indicated for the following problems:
Cosmetically poor eye requiring masking with a coloured lens matching the other eye.
Loss of the natural iris following trauma or a birth defect, with an open pupil, used to reduce glare and improve vision.
Double vision requiring blocking of the vision in one eye to eliminate the second image
What is the Contact Lens Fitting Process?
Fitting contact lenses for complex eye conditions or high prescriptions requires a blend of science and art. At our practice, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We work with a variety of lens manufacturers, allowing us to find the perfect fit for your eyes. Many of our patients come to us after trying other options, and we’re here to explore new solutions.
Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations. For conditions like advanced keratoconus or post-surgery corneal distortions, achieving perfect vision isn’t always possible, and some issues like glare may persist. The process often requires multiple consultations and adjustments, as lenses may need refinement over time to adapt to changes in your eyes.
Typical Fitting Schedule
Initial Consultation
We'll assess your eyes with detailed measurements and scans, discuss your visual needs, and explore lens options. You'll try a few options to see which feels best. Custom lenses are then ordered, with delivery times ranging from a few days to three weeks, depending on the source.
Collection Appointment
Once your lenses arrive, you'll try them on to ensure they fit and correct your vision as expected. If satisfactory, we'll teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses. You'll then test them in the "real world" for a week or two. If not satisfactory, we'll reorder with modifications.
Follow-Up Appointments
After testing your lenses, we'll assess how they're working for you. If all is well, you'll keep them and return for another follow-up in 1-2 months. If adjustments are needed, we'll reorder or try a different lens type.
Regular Check-Up
Once we find the ideal lens, regular check-ups every six months are essential for maintaining your eye health and lens performance. The fitting process can take time, especially for complex cases, but with proper care, you can wear your lenses comfortably.
Lens Replacement
Different lenses have varying replacement intervals. For example, soft lenses might last three months, while scleral lenses can last over two years. We’ll cover all these details during your initial consultation.
Payment and Warranty
Lenses are paid for at the initial collection appointment. If they need to be changed, and you return them within their warranty period, you won’t be charged for replacements.
We’re here to help you find the perfect contact lenses to fit your lifestyle and vision needs.
Please contact your nearest branch for further information or to book an appointment.
Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible contact lenses for your individual needs, allowing you to enjoy clear vision and comfort every day.