Specialized Contact Lenses
Our doctors will recommend the best contact lenses for you based on a comprehensive eye exam and an assessment of your visual needs, both at work and in your daily life.
Since most people can wear more than one type of lens, it’s important to understand the options and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Gulfcoast Eye Center offers the following specialty contact lenses:
- Bifocal Contact Lenses
- Monovision Contact Lenses
- Astigmatism Contact Lenses
- Keratoconus Treatment
- Orthokeratology (Corneal Molding)
- Pediatric Contact Lenses
- Prosthetic Contact Lenses
- Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses are specialized, large-diameter contact lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than directly on the cornea. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over it, creating a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface. This design makes them an excellent option for individuals with irregular corneas, severe dry eye, or conditions such as keratoconus.
WNBA Star Diamond DeShields Advocates for Optometry
We had the pleasure of meeting Diamond DeShields, WNBA star of the Chicago Sky, at the 2024 Vision Source Convention. Diamond has always been a standout on the court, but her journey with eye care started at age 14 when she noticed blurry vision. She was diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and becomes irregular, leading to high levels of irregular astigmatism.
For patients with keratoconus, the best vision correction comes from scleral contact lenses and safety glasses, especially for those involved in contact sports like basketball. While keratoconus is a progressive disease, it can be slowed with corneal collagen cross-linking surgery, though it cannot be fully cured.
Diamond’s advocacy for children’s eye care and scleral lenses for keratoconus is inspiring. In our practice, some of our most rewarding moments come from fitting patients with scleral lenses, giving them clearer vision and renewed confidence.
Thank you, Diamond, for your commitment to raising awareness about eye care and keratoconus!