Contact Lenses for Astigmatism: Key Facts To Know

Are you tired of struggling to see clearly due to astigmatism? Have you ever wondered if contact lenses could be the solution? People often assume that glasses are the only option for astigmatism correction, but modern contact lenses for astigmatism now offer more possibilities.

I’m Minh Van Tran, the Owner and Principal Optometrist at VisionPro Optometrists. With over two decades of experience, I understand the challenges of living with astigmatism. My goal is to help you explore effective solutions, like contact lenses, to enhance your vision and quality of life. At VisionPro, we prioritize personalized care and comprehensive eye health, ensuring you receive the best possible advice and treatment.

Let’s dive into the key facts about contact lenses for astigmatism and how they can make a significant difference in your vision.

Understanding Astigmatism

What exactly is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurry or distorted vision. Astigmatism is a common refractive error, occurring in about 1 in 3 of all people. There are two main types: corneal astigmatism, where the cornea is misshapen, and lenticular astigmatism, where the lens is irregularly shaped.

Symptoms of astigmatism can include blurry vision, eye strain, squinting, headaches, and poor night vision. It can be inherited or develop due to eye injury, disease, or surgery. Many people with astigmatism may also have other refractive errors. The combination of these conditions can complicate the symptoms, making it essential to diagnose and treat astigmatism accurately.

The condition can make tasks like reading, driving, and using a computer challenging due to distorted vision. People with astigmatism often struggle with eye strain and headaches after prolonged activities requiring focus. Unlike myopia, which affects distance vision, and hyperopia, which impacts near vision, astigmatism causes blur and distortion at all distances. This broad impact can lead to difficulties in daily routines and overall quality of life.

 

 

Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

What makes toric lenses unique for astigmatism? Toric lenses are specifically designed to offer different refractive powers in the horizontal and vertical meridians. Unlike standard spherical lenses, which have a uniform power throughout, toric lenses have a distinct shape that provides varying powers to address the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. This unique design ensures that light is properly focused on the retina, resulting in stable and clear vision.

Proper fitting is crucial for toric lenses to function correctly. A misfit can lead to discomfort and inadequate vision correction, as the lens must remain in a specific orientation on the eye to be effective. Optometrists use detailed measurements and fitting techniques to ensure the lens sits correctly, providing optimal performance and comfort.

The benefits of toric contact lenses for astigmatism are significant. They offer more stability and clearer vision compared to standard contact lenses, which might not adequately address the astigmatic eye’s unique needs. Toric lenses are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) varieties.

Soft toric lenses provide the comfort of traditional soft lenses, making them a popular choice for many wearers. They come in various options, including daily disposable and monthly reusable lenses, catering to different lifestyle preferences.

RGP toric lenses, on the other hand, maintain their shape on the eye and can offer sharper and more stable vision. These are particularly beneficial for individuals with higher degrees of astigmatism or those who have not achieved satisfactory results with soft lenses.

To learn more about how toric lenses work, watch the following video by Dr. Joseph Allen from the Doctor Eye Health YouTube channel.

 

 

Daily vs. Monthly Toric Lenses

Which type of toric lenses suits your lifestyle best? Daily toric lenses are highly convenient, ideal for those with busy lifestyles or who engage in sports. These single-use lenses eliminate the need for cleaning and storage, reducing the risk of eye infections and making them a hassle-free option.

On the other hand, monthly toric lenses are reusable and more cost-effective over time. They do require a daily cleaning routine and proper storage, but for those who are committed to the upkeep, they offer a reliable and economical choice. Monthly lenses also tend to be thicker and more durable than daily lenses, providing consistent vision correction throughout the month.

The choice between daily and monthly toric lenses ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

 

Multifocal Toric Lenses

How do multifocal toric lenses address multiple vision issues? Multifocal toric lenses are an excellent solution for individuals over 40 who require correction for both astigmatism and presbyopia. Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This typically becomes noticeable in people in their 40s and progresses over time, causing issues with tasks such as reading and using a smartphone.

Multifocal toric lenses combine the unique design of toric lenses, which correct astigmatism by offering different refractive powers in the horizontal and vertical meridians, with the multifocal lens’s ability to provide clear vision at various distances. These lenses incorporate advanced optical technologies that create multiple zones for viewing, allowing the wearer to see clearly up close, at intermediate distances, and far away. This seamless transition between distances is achieved through specific lens designs, such as concentric rings or aspheric surfaces, which gradually change in power.

By addressing both astigmatism and presbyopia in a single lens, multifocal toric lenses simplify daily life. They eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses or different types of contact lenses, making them a convenient and practical choice. These lenses allow individuals to comfortably switch between activities like reading, working on a computer, and driving without the hassle of changing eyewear.

In essence, multifocal toric lenses provide a comprehensive vision correction solution that adapts to the changing needs of aging eyes, ensuring clear and stable vision at all distances. This versatility enhances the overall quality of life, allowing users to engage in various activities with ease and confidence.

 

Advanced Treatments for Astigmatism

What advanced treatments are available for astigmatism? Laser surgery options like LASIK and PRK offer permanent solutions by reshaping the cornea to correct its irregular curvature. LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea and using a laser to reshape the underlying tissue, while PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea before reshaping it. Both procedures can significantly improve vision, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The suitability and effectiveness of these surgeries depend on various factors, including the severity of astigmatism, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. While these procedures have high success rates, they are not without risks. Potential complications include dry eyes, glare, and halos around lights, particularly at night. The recovery time can vary, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days, but full recovery might take several weeks to months.

For those seeking non-surgical options, ortho-k (orthokeratology) lenses offer a temporary solution by reshaping the cornea overnight. These specially designed rigid lenses are worn during sleep and removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. This option is especially appealing for those who are not candidates for laser surgery or prefer a reversible treatment.

Discussing these advanced treatment options with your optometrist will help determine the best course of action based on your specific needs and lifestyle. The right choice can lead to significant improvements in vision and quality of life, allowing you to engage in daily activities with greater ease and confidence.

 

CONCLUSION

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can be effectively managed with the right type of contact lenses, including rigid gas-permeable, and soft lenses. Without proper correction, astigmatism can severely impact your ability to perform everyday tasks.

Toric contact lenses are specially designed to stay stable in your eyes, providing clear and consistent vision. Daily and monthly toric lenses offer flexible options for different lifestyles and preferences.

Understanding the different types of astigmatism and their impact on vision can help you choose the best correction options. Take control of your vision health today by making an eye care appointment at VisionPro.

Scheduling an eye exam appointment is the first step to restoring or maintaining quality of life.

Click on the “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” button OR call either our St. Albans (03) 9364 5509 or Footscray (03) 9687 8787 optometry practices.