Custom contact lenses include prescription options - soft, RGP, scleral, hybrid and specialty fits - and cosmetic lenses for color or theatrical effects. All contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting. Modern materials like silicone hydrogel improve oxygen flow. Follow professional guidance, lens-care routines, and avoid nonprescription novelty lenses to reduce infection and other risks.

Two main categories: corrective and appearance-altering

Custom contact lenses generally fall into two groups: prescription (corrective) lenses and appearance-altering (cosmetic or decorative) lenses. Both require a professional fitting. Contact lenses are medical devices, so a licensed eye care provider should evaluate your eyes and provide a prescription and fit.

Prescription (corrective) lenses: options and advances

Prescription lenses correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. Modern options include:

  • Soft contact lenses: available as daily disposables, two-week, or monthly replacements. Silicone hydrogel materials allow greater oxygen transmission, improving corneal health for many wearers.
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: often called "hard" lenses. They maintain shape on the eye and can provide sharp vision, especially for astigmatism or irregular corneas. They require an adaptation period.
  • Scleral lenses: larger lenses that vault the cornea and rest on the sclera. They are useful for irregular corneas, severe dry eye, and certain ocular surface diseases.
  • Hybrid lenses: combine an RGP center with a soft skirt to balance optics and comfort.
  • Specialty fits: orthokeratology (overnight rigid lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea) and custom prosthetic lenses for cosmetic or rehabilitative purposes.
Work with your eye care professional to choose the right material, replacement schedule, and wear limits. Follow the prescribed wearing time and care routine to lower the risk of complications.

Cosmetic and decorative lenses: what to know

Cosmetic lenses change the eye's appearance - color tinting, full-iris designs, or dramatic effects (cat-eye, theatrical, scleral covers). Even if they do not correct vision, most countries (including the United States) regulate decorative lenses as medical devices. You must obtain a legitimate prescription and a proper fitting.

Buying nonprescription decorative lenses from novelty shops or online sellers can increase the risk of infection, corneal abrasions, and vision loss. Proper hygiene, approved lenses, and follow-up care reduce those risks.

Safety basics

  • Always get an eye exam and fitting from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
  • Follow cleaning, storage and replacement schedules. Use solutions recommended for your lens type.
  • Avoid sleeping in lenses unless explicitly approved by your provider.
  • Keep lenses away from water (showers, pools, hot tubs) to reduce infection risk.
  • Replace your lens case every three months and seek immediate care for pain, redness, light sensitivity, or sudden vision change.
Custom contact lenses offer both functional vision correction and creative cosmetic options. Choosing the right lens depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and medical guidance from an eye care professional.

FAQs about Custom Contact Lenses

Do cosmetic contact lenses require a prescription?
Yes. Decorative or cosmetic lenses are regulated as medical devices in many countries, including the U.S., and require a prescription and professional fitting to ensure proper fit and eye health.
What are the main differences between soft and rigid (RGP) lenses?
Soft lenses are generally more comfortable initially and come in many replacement schedules; modern silicone hydrogel soft lenses let more oxygen reach the cornea. RGP lenses offer sharper optics for some conditions and hold their shape on the eye but require an adaptation period.
Are scleral lenses only for medical conditions?
Scleral lenses were developed to manage irregular corneas and severe dry eye, but some people without those conditions prefer them for comfort or stability. They require specialized fitting by an eye care professional.
How can I reduce the risk of eye infections with contacts?
Get regular eye exams, follow the prescribed wear and replacement schedule, use recommended cleaning solutions, avoid sleeping or swimming in lenses unless approved, and replace your lens case regularly.
What should I do if I experience pain or sudden vision changes while wearing contacts?
Remove the lens immediately and contact your eye care provider or seek urgent eye care. Pain, redness, discharge, or sudden vision changes can indicate infection or serious complications.

News about Custom Contact Lenses

Bausch + Lomb launches Asana comprehensive line of gas permeable contact lenses - Healio [Visit Site | Read More]

Contact Lens Precision Laboratories acquires Scotlens - Association of Optometrists (AOP) [Visit Site | Read More]

Bausch + Lomb Launches ASANA™ Gas Permeable Lenses in the United States - Business Wire [Visit Site | Read More]

Bausch + Lomb launches ASANA gas permeable lenses - Eyes On Eyecare [Visit Site | Read More]

Bausch + Lomb launches Zenlens Chroma HOA scleral lens in US - Optometry Times [Visit Site | Read More]

Zenlens Chroma HOA scleral contact lenses launched in US - Healio [Visit Site | Read More]

#3DStartup: Lensy Medical Creates Personalized Contact Lenses With 3D Printing - 3Dnatives [Visit Site | Read More]