If you’ve recently been prescribed specialty contact lenses, you may be wondering how long it will take to adjust. Unlike traditional soft lenses, specialty contacts are designed to address specific vision challenges and may require a longer adaptation period. At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we’re here to help you navigate the transition and make your experience as comfortable and successful as possible.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed for patients with conditions such as keratoconus, severe dry eye, high astigmatism, or post-surgical corneas. These lenses provide clear, stable vision and improved eye health where standard lenses may fall short.
 

Types of specialty lenses include:
 

• Scleral Lenses: Vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye (sclera).

• RGP Lenses: Smaller, firm lenses that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea.

• Hybrid Lenses: Combine an RGP center with a soft skirt for comfort and clarity.

• Ortho-K Lenses:  Worn overnight to reshape the cornea and correct vision temporarily.

Days 1-3: Initial Sensation

It’s normal to feel some foreign body sensation when you first start wearing specialty lenses, especially with RGP and scleral lenses. You may be more aware of the lens in your eye compared to soft lenses. Your eye will begin to adjust gradually as you wear them for a few hours a day.

Week 1-2: Increased Comfort

With consistent daily wear and proper handling, your eyes will adapt to the shape and feel of the lenses. You should notice a significant improvement in comfort and visual clarity. Scleral lenses, in particular, tend to become more comfortable than RGPs because they don’t touch the sensitive corneal surface.

Week 3 and Beyond: Full Adaptation

Most patients achieve full comfort and confidence wearing their specialty lenses within 2 to 4 weeks. If you’re wearing Ortho-K lenses, you may begin noticing clearer vision during the day without glasses or contacts after the first week of consistent overnight wear.

Tips to Ease the Adjustment

• Follow your optometrist’s wearing schedule to avoid overwhelming your eyes.

• Use recommended lubricating drops if advised, especially for scleral lenses.

• Clean and store your lenses properly to avoid irritation and infection.

• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor fit and eye health.

Schedule Your Specialty Lens Consultation Today

We’re here to ensure you feel confident and comfortable throughout the process. If you’re considering specialty contact lenses or have questions about your current lenses, our team is ready to help.
 

Schedule a contact lens exam with Palo Alto Eyes Optometry to learn more about specialty contact lenses options. Visit our office in Palo Alto, California, or call (650) 321-2015 to book an appointment today.