If you’re wearing contact lenses or considering them, you’ve likely encountered a range of choices—daily or monthly, soft or rigid, and of course, the ongoing debate between custom-made and off-the-shelf lenses. These differences can be especially important if you have high myopia, keratoconus, or simply haven’t found regular lenses comfortable or effective.
In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between these lens types, highlight the pros and cons of each, and help you determine when customization is not just helpful—but essential.
What Are Standard Lenses and Who Are They For?
Standard contact lenses are pre-manufactured in generic sizes designed to fit the most common eye shapes and prescriptions. They are readily available at optical stores or through online orders based on common curvature and vision correction parameters.
Advantages of Standard Lenses:
- Immediate availability – easy to purchase with a prescription.
- Affordable – significantly cheaper than custom-made lenses.
- Easy to use – designed for general wear without complex fitting processes.
Disadvantages of Standard Lenses:
- Poor fit for irregular corneas – people with keratoconus or corneal distortions may experience discomfort or blurred vision.
- Limited customization – not suitable for eyes outside the “normal” prescription or curvature range, including those with high myopia or unique sensitivities.
- May cause dryness and irritation – improper fit can increase friction, leading to discomfort or the feeling of a foreign object in the eye.
When Are Custom Contact Lenses the Better Choice?
If you feel like standard lenses aren’t delivering the clarity or comfort you need, it may not be your fault—it could simply be that your lenses weren’t designed for your unique eyes.
Custom lenses are ideal for:
- Individuals with keratoconus or post-corneal transplant irregularities
- Patients with high myopia needing greater stability
- People experiencing severe dry eye who require moisture-preserving lenses
- Those with post-laser surgery complications who struggle with glasses or regular lenses
- Anyone with extreme light sensitivity, visual fatigue, or unstable vision throughout the day
EyePrintPRO: The Ultimate in Precision
When it comes to personalization, EyePrintPRO represents the cutting edge of custom lens technology. Using a three-dimensional impression of the eye surface, this system captures every curve, ridge, and detail—resulting in unmatched accuracy.
Benefits of EyePrintPRO:
- Unparalleled customization – based on a physical mold of your eye
- Maximum comfort – adapts to every anatomical feature including blood vessels and asymmetries
- Exceptional stability – unlike standard lenses, EyePrintPRO lenses stay in place and maintain consistent vision, even when moving. They also support advanced prescriptions such as multifocals or prisms.
Personalized Scleral Lenses – The Gold Standard for Complex Cases
For patients with high myopia or keratoconus, custom-fitted scleral lenses have become one of the most effective and comfortable solutions. Unlike traditional lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over it and sit on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a protective fluid layer between the lens and the cornea.
Key benefits of custom scleral lenses:
- Provide continuous hydration and relieve dryness
- Stable fit allows for high prescriptions with minimal distortion
- Deliver superior visual clarity, especially in cases of corneal irregularities or chronic dryness
- Stay securely in place, offering all-day comfort without slippage
So, Which Lens Is Right for You?
If you have normal vision and regular eye anatomy, standard lenses might serve you just fine—especially under expert guidance and follow-up by a professional optometrist. But if you’re dealing with keratoconus, high myopia, or general discomfort, custom contact lenses may be the solution that finally meets your needs.
At M’Eye Clinic, we specialize in fitting advanced contact lens technologies—including EyePrintPRO and custom scleral lenses—with personal care and precision. Our experienced team welcomes patients from Israel and abroad, offering premium solutions tailored to your unique eye condition.
