Hard to Fit Contacts

Contact lenses aren’t the right match for every individual with vision issues. Certain eye conditions can make wearing contacts uncomfortable or difficult. Still, this doesn’t automatically rule out contact lenses. Many patients simply need specialty lenses designed for unique eye shapes or medical needs, which an eye care professional can recommend.

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Why Some Patients Need Specialty or “Hard-to-Fit” Contact Lenses

Some eye conditions make it more challenging to find contacts that fit properly or feel comfortable, including:

Astigmatism
Dry eye syndrome
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
Keratoconus
Presbyopia

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an uneven or oval shape instead of being round. This irregular curve leads to blurry or distorted vision. Standard soft lenses often can’t correct this shape well, which is why special lenses are needed.

Dry Eyes

When the eyes do not produce enough tears—or the tears evaporate too quickly—they can feel gritty, irritated, or red. Contact lenses may worsen these symptoms by reducing the amount of moisture on the eye’s surface.

GPC

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory reaction on the underside of the eyelid. Protein buildup on lenses can aggravate the condition, making contact wear uncomfortable.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus happens when the cornea thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This can cause distortion and make traditional contact lenses difficult or painful to wear.

Presbyopia

As people reach their 40s and beyond, focusing on close objects becomes harder. This age-related change—presbyopia—often requires specialized lens designs to improve near vision.

Solutions for Hard-to-Fit Eyes

Even with these conditions, contacts may still be an option. The key is being fitted with lenses specifically designed for your needs.

Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses

GP lenses are often recommended for GPC and keratoconus. Because they resist protein buildup, they can lessen GPC flare-ups. Their firm structure also helps mask the irregular shape of the cornea in keratoconus, offering clearer, more stable vision.

Toric Lenses for Astigmatism

Toric lenses are shaped to correct the uneven curvature caused by astigmatism. They must remain stable and not rotate on the eye, so they are usually custom-designed. This makes them more precise—and often more expensive—than standard lenses.

Bifocal, Multifocal, and Monovision Options for Presbyopia

Patients with presbyopia may benefit from bifocal or multifocal contact lenses. Another option is monovision, where one eye is fitted for distance vision and the other for near tasks.

Treatments for Dry Eyes

Medicated eye drops can help lubricate the eyes, making contact wear more comfortable. In more advanced dry-eye cases, punctal occlusion (temporarily or permanently blocking tear ducts) may be recommended. For GPC, medicated drops can also reduce inflammation and help clear protein deposits.