Hybrid lenses are an innovative and highly versatile vision correction solution that merges the advantages of soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. These hybrid lenses offer wearers a unique blend of comfort and clarity, making them valuable for people with specific vision needs, such as astigmatism, keratoconus, and other hard-to-fit eye conditions.
Hybrid Contact Lenses: A Breakdown
Imagine contact lenses that provide the clarity of RGP lenses while offering the comfort of soft lenses. Hybrid contact lenses are a revolutionary blend of rigid GP centers and silicone hydrogel peripheral zones. This unique design provides sharp vision without compromising on comfort.
Hybrid contacts come in various options to suit your vision needs, such as single-vision lenses and multifocal that offer multiple strengths within the same lens for near, intermediate, and distance vision.
Hybrid Brands: Most Comfortable Contact Lenses
If you have high astigmatism, mild corneal irregularities, or are in the early stages of keratoconus, SynergEyes® A is an FDA-cleared hybrid contact lens designed specifically for you. In cases where patients have flat corneas, which can occur after procedures like radial keratotomy, we can recommend UltraHealth FC by SynergEyes®.
Soft Contact Lenses vs Hybrid Lenses: The Differences
Though some minor distinctions exist between soft and hybrid contact lenses, the overall insertion, removal, and cleaning processes are similar. To help you make an informed choice, we explain what you need to understand about these two options:
Material: Soft lens contacts are made from a flexible, water-absorbing plastic material known as hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. In contrast, hybrid lenses feature a rigid gas permeable (RGP) central zone made of sturdy material, surrounded by a soft or silicone hydrogel outline.
Comfort: Soft contact lenses are known for their comfort, conforming to the shape of your eye for a natural feel. Hybrid lenses combine the visual clarity of RGP lenses with the ease of soft lenses.
Vision Correction: Soft lenses are effective for various vision issues, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. In contrast, individuals often choose hybrid lenses for specific vision correction needs, such as astigmatism, keratoconus, or irregular corneas, where soft lenses may not provide the desired results.
Stability: Hybrid lenses, with their rigid central zone, offer excellent stability on the eye, which is beneficial for hard-to-fit patients where maintaining proper lens alignment is crucial.
Durability: Hybrid lenses are more durable and longer-lasting than soft lenses. They are less prone to tearing or damage, making them a reliable choice for active individuals.
Customization: Hybrid lenses offer a high degree of customization to meet individual visual needs, especially for those with complex prescriptions or irregular corneas. Soft lenses are available in a wide range of parameters but may not provide the same level of customization as hybrids.
How Hybrid Lenses Are Specially Designed for Astigmatism, Keratoconus & More
Hybrid contact lenses address specific eye conditions like astigmatism, keratoconus, and other corneal irregularities. They provide vision correction and comfort for individuals with these conditions in the following ways:
Astigmatism:
- Rigid Central Zone: The central part of hybrid lenses contains RGP materials, which help correct astigmatism by providing a stable optical surface.
- Soft Skirt: Surrounding the RGP central zone is a soft skirt made of silicone hydrogel or other soft materials, which offers a comfortable fit and helps to stabilize the lens on the eye.
Keratoconus:
- Customized Designs: Hybrid lenses can be customized to fit the unique shape of the cornea in individuals with keratoconus, which is essential because the cone-like shape of the cornea makes standard contacts ineffective.
- Stable Vision: The rigid central zone of hybrid lenses provides steady vision even in cases of severe corneal irregularity associated with keratoconus.
Other Corneal Irregularities:
- Versatility: Hybrid lenses can address various corneal abnormalities beyond astigmatism and keratoconus. They are suitable for conditions such as pellucid marginal degeneration, post-surgical irregularities, and corneal transplants.
- Improved Comfort: The soft skirt of hybrid lenses offers enhanced comfort compared to full RGP lenses, making them more tolerable for individuals with irregular corneas.
Presbyopia:
- Multifocal Options: Hybrid lenses are available in multifocal designs to address presbyopia, a common age-related condition causing difficulty in near vision.
Consistent Fit:
- Steady Positioning: The rigid central zone plays a crucial role in maintaining the lens's stable position, reducing the likelihood of lens movement or dislocation, which can be problematic for those with corneal irregularities.
Adapting to Hybrid Lenses
While transitioning to hybrid lenses may require a brief adjustment period for insertion and removal, the process is similar to that of soft contact lenses. Some hybrid lenses may have a slight tint, but this doesn't affect the quality of your vision.
Unlike soft lenses that can flip inside out, hybrid contact lenses maintain their shape. Only the edges can flip over or get misshapen, and in this case, a gentle adjustment is all it takes to restore its proper form.
Your eye doctor at Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care in Rockville will provide specific instructions for handling these lenses. Request an appointment today!