Have you ever been told by an optometrist that you cannot wear contact lenses?
This is something I hear quite often in my practice when patients come to see me after visiting other optometrists.
In many cases, the issue is not that contact lenses are impossible — it is simply that standard stock contact lenses may not suit your prescription or eye shape.
What Are Stock Contact Lenses?
Most contact lenses used in everyday optometry practice are stock lenses. These lenses are mass-produced in commonly used prescriptions.
For example:
- -1.00 for short-sightedness
- standard astigmatism corrections
- common curvature designs
These lenses work well for many patients because their prescriptions fall within these common ranges.
“You Can’t Wear Contact Lenses Because of Astigmatism”
One of the most common things I hear from patients is:
“My previous optometrist told me I cannot wear contact lenses because I have astigmatism.”
In reality, stock toric contact lenses are available for astigmatism up to around -2.25.
The challenge with astigmatism is not whether lenses exist — it’s that they must sit very stable on the eye at a specific angle.
Because of this, fitting someone with astigmatism may take more time. Sometimes we need to try two or three different brands before finding the one that stabilises properly on the eye.
Each manufacturer uses a different design to stabilise the lens.
When Stock Contact Lenses Don’t Work
Sometimes a prescription falls outside the standard ranges available in stock lenses.
This could include:
- Higher levels of astigmatism
- Unusual prescriptions
- Unique corneal shapes
- Special visual requirements
When this happens, many patients are told that contact lenses are not possible.
But that is not always true.
What Are Bespoke Contact Lenses?
This is where bespoke contact lenses come in.
Bespoke lenses are custom-made specifically for your eyes. They are designed based on:
- Your prescription
- The shape of your cornea
- The way the lens needs to sit on your eye
These lenses are manufactured individually rather than mass-produced.
Why Bespoke Contact Lenses Take Time
The process for bespoke lenses is more involved than ordering standard lenses.
First, we order trial lenses so that we can evaluate how they fit and perform on your eyes.
The manufacturing process for these trial lenses can take up to six weeks.
Sometimes the first trial lens is perfect. But occasionally, we may need to adjust the design and order another set of trial lenses, which can again take several weeks.
It requires patience — but the result can be extremely rewarding.
Why the Wait Is Worth It
Once the correct fit is achieved, bespoke lenses can provide excellent vision and comfort.
For many patients, it opens up possibilities that glasses simply cannot provide.
Imagine being able to:
- Play sports like rugby without worrying about glasses breaking
- Wear a cricket helmet without lenses fogging up
- Go paddling, swimming, or hiking without glasses slipping off
- Enjoy everyday activities with complete visual freedom
For patients who have been told contact lenses are not possible, bespoke lenses can often be a life-changing solution.
Could Bespoke Contact Lenses Be Right for You?
If you have previously been told that you cannot wear contact lenses, it may simply mean that standard lenses were not suitable.
Bespoke contact lenses may still be an option.
The best way to find out is through a comprehensive contact lens consultation, where we evaluate your prescription, eye health, and lens fit.
Sometimes all it takes is the right approach and a bit of patience.
FAQ
What are bespoke contact lenses?
Bespoke contact lenses are custom-made lenses designed specifically for an individual’s eye shape and prescription when standard stock lenses are not suitable.
Who needs bespoke contact lenses?
People with higher prescriptions, significant astigmatism, unusual corneal shapes, or those who cannot achieve stable vision with standard lenses may benefit from bespoke contact lenses.
Why do bespoke contact lenses take longer to get?
Because they are custom-manufactured, trial lenses must first be produced and tested. This process can take several weeks to ensure the best possible fit and visual performance.
Can people with astigmatism wear contact lenses?
Yes. Many stock lenses correct astigmatism, and bespoke lenses can be made for prescriptions beyond the standard ranges.
Are bespoke contact lenses worth it?
For patients who struggle with standard lenses or have been told contact lenses are not possible, bespoke lenses can provide excellent vision and comfort once the correct fit is achieved.
