Custom Soft Contacts
- Traditional Soft Contact Lenses Customized to Your Prescription
At the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute, the majority of our patients come to us because they require alternative options to soft (or traditional) contact lenses. Our doctors are known to specialize in designing custom specialty contact lenses for patients who need them in order to have clear and comfortable vision. However, we also welcome patients who wear “regular” soft contact lenses and the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute is skilled at fitting customized soft contact lenses for patients.
Our office is a very unique environment where you can expect one-on-one time with the doctor, thorough exams, and the latest technology, all in a welcoming and relaxing environment.
Even if you’re just looking for a slight adjustment to your current contact lenses, or want to order an annual supply, the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute is accepting new patients. Come experience the difference, and chances are, you won’t ever want to go anywhere else.
If you have questions on contact lenses, we can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.
Commercial Disposables vs. Custom Lathed Soft Contacts
Why do standard store-bought soft lenses fail for some eyes? Understanding the anatomical differences between mass-market mass-produced lenses and individually lathed custom soft optics.
| Fitting Parameter | Commercial Soft Lenses | Custom Lathed Soft Lenses |
|---|---|---|
| Base Curve Options | Limited to 1–2 fixed curves (typically 8.4 – 8.6 mm) | Unlimited custom curves (6.80 mm to 10.00 mm in 0.1 mm steps) |
| Lens Diameter Range | Standard fixed diameter (14.0 – 14.2 mm) | Customized to patient HVID (12.0 mm to 16.0 mm in 0.1 mm steps) |
| Astigmatism (Cylinder) | Limited to -2.25D or -2.75D (in 0.50D jumps) | Powers up to -10.00D or higher (in exact 0.25D increments) |
| Toric Axis Precision | Fixed 10-degree increments | Exact 1-degree rotational alignment |
| Multifocal Optical Zones | Fixed central zone diameters | Custom center-near or center-distance tailored to pupil size |
| Diagnostic Evaluation | Brief 10-minute automated screening | 90–120 min comprehensive Scheimpflug tomography & tear film analysis |
Who Benefits from Custom Soft Contact Lenses?
Custom soft lenses bridge the gap between commercial disposables and rigid specialty lenses, providing crystal-clear optics with soft hydrogel comfort.
High Astigmatism Beyond Standard Ranges
Commercial soft contact lenses typically cap astigmatism correction at -2.25D or -2.75D in 10° axis increments. Custom soft lenses provide cylinder powers up to -10.00D or higher in exact 1° axis steps, eliminating rotational blur and ghosting.
Unusually Steep or Flat Corneal Curvatures
Standard soft disposables are manufactured with rigid base curve molds (typically 8.4mm to 8.6mm). Corneas with steeper or flatter radii experience pinching, edge lift, or poor centration that custom base curves (6.8mm to 10.0mm) correct.
Atypical Corneal & Horizontal Visible Iris Diameters (HVID)
A small or large cornea can cause standard 14.0mm–14.2mm soft lenses to ride low, dislodge during blinking, or compress limbal stem cell zones. Custom lathed diameters (12.0mm to 16.0mm) provide complete, anatomically centered limbal coverage.
Presbyopia & Custom Multifocal Visual Demands
Off-the-shelf multifocals offer limited reading add powers and fixed optical zones that often compromise night driving or distance sharpness. Custom soft multifocals offer individualized pupil-matched distance and near optical zone diameters.
Mild Corneal Irregularity & Soft Lens Preference
Some patients with mild keratoconus, post-refractive surgery asymmetry, or corneal scarring cannot tolerate rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses. Specially engineered thick-center custom soft lenses mask minor irregularities comfortably.
Extreme Myopia or Hyperopia Prescriptions
Patients requiring sphere corrections exceeding +6.00D or -12.00D often face limited commercial lens availability. Custom lathed soft contact lenses can be manufactured in virtually any sphere power from +30.00D to -30.00D.
Why the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute for
Custom Soft Contact Lenses?
Experience unhurried medical optometry where your comfort, vision, and long-term corneal health always come first.
The Team
The team at the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute are experts in all types of contacts, from traditional soft contacts to extremely unique and complex where few doctors typically specialize.
Advanced Technology
Our office is one of a few practices in the country that is equipped with the Pentacam AXL Wave and Optovue Solix OCT, which help the doctor gain a full understanding of your overall eye health.
In-Depth Eye Exams
Our eye exams are far beyond what is routinely offered for individuals with “healthy” eyes without any specific visual problems or concerns.
Access to the Doctor
Our doctors are available to answer questions you have after your exam, and will make sure you have the information needed in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
Unlimited Answers
We allow for enough time for thorough comprehensive exams, and plenty of time for answering questions. No rushing in and out here.
Affordability
We keep our overhead costs low and offer very competitive prices as a result. We have monthly payment options available and also accept Cherry™, HSA, & FSA.
Essential Soft Contact Lens Care Protocols
Strict Tap Water Avoidance
Never expose soft contact lenses to tap water, shower water, hot tubs, or swimming pools. Tap water harbors microscopic pathogens including Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe, sight-threatening corneal keratitis.
Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection
For reusable custom soft contact lenses, preservative-free hydrogen peroxide systems (such as Clear Care® with HydraGlyde®) provide maximum deep disinfection and eliminate chemical sensitivity from preservatives.
Strict Replacement Schedules
Whether wearing daily disposables, bi-weekly, or custom quarterly/annual soft lenses, adhering strictly to replacement intervals prevents protein buildup, giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), and corneal hypoxia.
Annual Endothelial & Corneal Scans
Our clinic utilizes high-magnification slit lamp biomicroscopy and tomography to verify that your custom soft lenses do not impede corneal oxygenation or cause neovascularization over long-term daily wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about custom soft contact lenses, parameters, annual ordering, and vision insurance.
What makes custom soft contact lenses different from standard store-bought soft lenses?
Standard commercial soft lenses are mass-produced in mass-market molds with fixed base curves (8.4–8.6 mm) and standard diameters (14.0–14.2 mm). Custom soft contact lenses are individually precision-lathed to match the exact topography, diameter, and unique refractive prescription of your eye. This accommodates steep or flat corneas, high astigmatism, extreme prescriptions, and custom multifocal optics that mass-produced lenses cannot fulfill.
Can custom soft contact lenses correct high or irregular astigmatism?
Yes. While commercial soft toric contact lenses typically top out at -2.25D or -2.75D of cylinder in 10-degree increments, custom soft contact lenses can correct cylinder powers exceeding -10.00D in exact 1-degree axis increments. Furthermore, specialized thicker-profile custom soft lenses can provide stability and visual clarity for mild corneal irregularities where patients prefer the softness of a hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material.
Can I order my regular annual supply of soft contact lenses at the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute?
Absolutely. While our practice is renowned across North Carolina for complex scleral and specialty lens fittings, we warmly welcome patients wearing traditional and premium soft contact lenses. Whether you need an updated prescription, a minor adjustment for comfort or dryness, or want to order an annual supply with manufacturer rebates, our team provides comprehensive, unhurried care.
How do I know whether I need custom soft lenses or scleral lenses?
During your comprehensive 90–120 minute evaluation, our doctors capture high-resolution anterior segment OCT cross-sections and Pentacam AXL Wave corneal tomography (240,000 data points). If your cornea has regular astigmatism or mild curvature variations, custom soft lenses often deliver exceptional vision and comfort. For advanced keratoconus, post-surgical ectasia, or severe ocular surface disease, scleral lenses that vault the cornea entirely are generally recommended.
Does insurance or vision plans cover custom soft contact lenses?
Coverage varies based on your visual condition and insurance policy. If custom soft lenses are deemed Medically Necessary Contact Lenses (MNCL)—such as for high refractive error, high astigmatism, or aphakia—some medical or vision plans may contribute toward the cost. Our team provides transparent fee schedules, itemized superbills with medical diagnosis codes (CPT 92072, 92310, V-codes), and accepts Cherry™ financing, HSA, and FSA.
Ready for Clear, Comfortable Vision?
Whether you need precision custom lathed soft lenses for high astigmatism or simply want an unhurried, comprehensive evaluation for your annual soft contact supply, our fellowship-trained doctors are here to deliver exceptional care.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Matthews clinic. New patients are warmly welcomed.
