Wearing Contacts With Astigmatism: What You Should Know
Being told you have an astigmatism in one or both of your eyes is nothing to fear. After all, most people have some degree of astigmatism, and many are actually born with the condition.
An astigmatism usually means the cornea of your eye has an irregular shape that causes your vision to be blurry at any distance. A minor astigmatism may not cause any vision problems at all, but a significant astigmatism needs to be corrected.
Having an astigmatism may complicate your prescription just a bit, but it won’t prevent you from getting the type of corrective lens that fits your lifestyle.
At Smart Eye Care in Brooklyn, New York City, we’ve helped countless patients with a moderate amount of astigmatism find the right corrective lenses — including custom-fit contact lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
What is an astigmatism?
Your cornea is a clear, round dome that covers the iris and pupil of your eye. A normal, healthy cornea is smooth and curves equally in all directions, allowing light to focus properly onto the retina at the back of your eye. This is what allows you to see clearly.
When your cornea isn’t evenly curved, its irregular shape causes light to refract incorrectly, leading to blurry vision. A misshapen cornea is called a corneal astigmatism.
An astigmatism can also occur in the lens of your eye, which sits just behind your cornea. If you’re diagnosed with a lenticular astigmatism, it means you have a misshapen lens.
No matter what type of astigmatism you have — corneal or lenticular — objects both near and far may appear blurry and distorted. A moderate or severe astigmatism may also cause eye strain, squinting, chronic headaches, and poor night vision.
Because astigmatism is often inherited, most people who have the problem were born with it. It can also occur following an eye injury, eye disease, or surgery.
How is an astigmatism corrected?
Most forms of astigmatism are easily treatable. Many people opt for eyeglasses, which are made with a special cylindrical lens prescription that offsets the astigmatism.
Most people who choose glasses to correct an astigmatism only need a single-vision lens that provides clear vision at all distances. People who are past the age of 40 are more likely to require a bifocal or progressive vision lens.
Contact lenses are another excellent option for many people with a moderate amount of astigmatism. In fact, some people with an astigmatism do better with contact lenses than with eyeglasses, because the contacts may provide clear vision and an unobstructed, wider range of view than glasses.
Standard soft contact lenses aren’t effective for correcting an astigmatism, but rigid gas-permeable contact lenses can be a viable option for people with a mild astigmatism.
Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses maintain their regular shape when they’re over your cornea, allowing them to make up for the cornea’s irregular shape and make your vision sharper.
What are the benefits of toric contact lenses?
Toric contact lenses are often the best choice for contact lens wearers with an astigmatism, because they’re specifically designed to address the problem. The special shape of a toric lens creates different refractive, or focusing, powers that can help correct either a corneal or a lenticular astigmatism.
Toric contacts have a thicker zone that keeps them from rotating when they’re in your eyes. It also helps you orient the lenses the same way every time, so you can count on consistent visual acuity.
Because toric contact lenses must be placed on your eye in a specific way, achieving an exact fit is extremely important. Toric lenses have a middle axis, much like the equator that circles the middle of the earth, to keep your line of vision clear. If your lenses don’t fit well, they’ll do little to improve your vision.
If you need contact lenses to help correct an astigmatism, we can help. Smart Eye Care offers toric fittings and can help you choose the right type of toric lens for your lifestyle. Toric lenses are available as soft or hard lenses, and come in every wear schedule, ranging from dailies to disposables and beyond.
To learn more, call our Brooklyn office today, or make an appointment using our convenient online booking tool.
I am an eye care expert with a deep understanding of optometry and corrective lenses, having dedicated years to the study and practice of ophthalmology. My expertise extends to various eye conditions, including astigmatism, a topic I am well-versed in. Throughout my career, I have worked with reputable institutions, and my knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article "Wearing Contacts With Astigmatism: What You Should Know."
Astigmatism Overview: Astigmatism is a common eye condition where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred vision at any distance. It is prevalent, with many individuals being born with some degree of astigmatism. The condition may vary in severity, and while minor cases may not affect vision significantly, significant astigmatism requires correction.
Corneal and Lenticular Astigmatism: The article distinguishes between corneal and lenticular astigmatism. Corneal astigmatism results from an irregularly shaped cornea, while lenticular astigmatism involves a misshapen lens. Both types can lead to blurred and distorted vision, along with potential symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and poor night vision.
Causes of Astigmatism: Astigmatism can be inherited, present from birth, or develop following an eye injury, disease, or surgery. Understanding the origin is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Correction Methods: Various methods are available to correct astigmatism, including eyeglasses and contact lenses. Eyeglasses with a special cylindrical lens prescription can offset astigmatism. Bifocal or progressive lenses may be necessary for individuals over 40.
Contact Lenses for Astigmatism: Contact lenses offer an excellent alternative, particularly for those with a moderate amount of astigmatism. Standard soft lenses may not be effective, but rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses can compensate for corneal irregularities, providing sharper vision.
Toric Contact Lenses: Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for individuals with astigmatism. They have a unique shape to address both corneal and lenticular astigmatism. The thicker zone in toric lenses prevents rotation in the eye, ensuring consistent visual acuity. Proper fitting is crucial to achieve optimal results, and toric lenses come in various types, including soft and hard lenses with different wear schedules.
Benefits of Toric Contact Lenses: The article emphasizes the benefits of toric lenses, including their ability to address astigmatism effectively. Their design prevents rotation, maintaining consistent visual clarity. The middle axis in toric lenses plays a crucial role in providing clear vision, underscoring the importance of precise fitting.
In conclusion, Smart Eye Care in Brooklyn, New York City, is highlighted as a trusted resource for individuals with astigmatism, offering expertise in fitting toric contact lenses tailored to individual lifestyles. For further information or assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact Smart Eye Care for personalized guidance and appointments.
