Hybrid contact lenses are great for most patients with corneal astigmatism. There are many types of Hybrids available, including Multifocals. The special characteristics of a hybrid contact lens are that they have the rigid gas permeable lens (GP) to correct the astigmatism, but it is surrounded by a skirt of a soft lens. This provides the clear vision of a GP lens, along with the comfort of a soft contact lens!
You may ask, “Am I a good candidate for a hybrid lens?” The patients with the best success with hybrid lenses are:
- Patients with regular corneal astigmatism.
- Patients complaining of contact lens movement with soft toric contact lenses.
- Patients who want the quality of vision from a GP lens, but worried about the feel.
- Patients with presbyopia and astigmatism.
- Multifocal patients who currently wear soft contact lenses who want better vision.
- Patients with an irregular cornea who are interested in other lens options.
The Pro’s and Con’s of Hybrid Contact Lenses
Pro’s
- Hybrid contacts are great for people with astigmatism.
- They offer clear, crisp, great vision, most often the same as wearing glasses.
- With the soft lens skirt, you have the comfort of a soft lens.
- Patients have the freedom from wearing glasses.
- The cost is on par with regular soft multifocal and GP multifocal contact lenses.
Con’s
- Hybrids are not for lenticular astigmatism.
- If a diagnostic fitting is required, this takes more time and the price will be higher than a regular contact lens fitting.
- Hybrid lenses require some training and education for correct use. The insertion, removal and care of the contact lens is different. If a patient is not agreeable to learn these new techniques, hybrid lenses may not be the best choice.
- Even if the lens fit is perfect, there is a possibility of the hybrid lens flattening the cornea over time.
Contact us today to see if you are a candidate for hybrid lenses!