If you have a high prescription, you may already know that not every contact lens comes in your parameters. Many standard lenses stop at a certain power range, and people with higher short-sightedness, higher long-sightedness, or more complex astigmatism may need XR or specialty lens options.
This is where it becomes especially important to buy the exact lens your optometrist prescribed. High prescription lenses are often chosen because they match a specific prescription range, fit, material, and visual need.
What does XR mean in contact lenses?
XR usually means extended range. These lenses are designed to cover prescriptions outside the standard parameter range. They can be helpful for people who have higher sphere powers, higher astigmatism, or more specialised combinations of prescription details.
Examples of XR and specialty lenses
Contact Lens Depot stocks several specialty options for customers who have been prescribed lenses outside the standard range, including Biofinity XR, Biofinity XR Toric, Proclear Toric XR, and Proclear Multifocal XR.
We also stock specialty toric and multifocal designs such as Proclear Multifocal Toric and Biofinity Multifocal Toric, which can be useful when presbyopia and astigmatism need to be corrected together.
Why high prescriptions need careful ordering
When a prescription is more specialised, small errors matter. A wrong axis, cylinder, add, or lens type can make the lenses uncomfortable or visually poor. Some specialty lenses are also less commonly stocked, so reordering before you run out is sensible.
Should you switch to a more common lens?
Not without your optometrist's advice. If you have been fitted with an XR or specialty lens, it may be because standard lenses did not meet your prescription or fit requirements. Changing to a more common brand may not provide the same result.
How to order specialty lenses online
Check your current box or prescription carefully, then order the same product and parameters. If you are not sure, you can use easy reorder if you have purchased from us before, or send your prescription after ordering so we can help match the details.
As an optometrist-owned Australian retailer, Contact Lens Depot is built for customers who need more than the most common lens options. We provide health fund claimable receipts for eligible optical extras cover, and our reorder reminders can help you avoid running out of less common lenses.
Frequently asked questions
What are XR contact lenses?
XR contact lenses are extended range lenses made for prescriptions outside the usual standard range.
Are high prescription contact lenses available online?
Yes, many high prescription and specialty lenses can be ordered online, but you should order the exact lens your optometrist prescribed.
Why are specialty lenses harder to find?
They are less commonly prescribed and may have more specialised parameters, so not every retailer stocks them.
Can I claim XR or specialty lenses on my health fund?
If your optical extras cover allows contact lens claims and you have available limits, you may be able to claim. We provide receipts for your order.
Contact Lens Depot is an optometrist-owned Australian contact lens retailer with a strong range of XR, toric, multifocal, and specialty contact lens options.