Astigmatism: Things You Should Know

So, you just found out about astigmatism and think you are doomed to wear glasses for the rest of your life. Gone are the days when your eyes were the best feature of your face! However, the reality is far from that. Yes, astigmatism is a complication we should deal with the right way. But it is nothing to be feared with. Many people are actually born with this condition, and even later, many people have different levels of astigmatism. And there are several options for you to improve the situation.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a pretty common problem related to vision, which can cause blurry, fuzzy images. With astigmatism, the retina or the lens of the eye has an irregular curve, which changes the course of the light passing through the retina. And, that’s the reason one with this complication suffers from distorted vision. 

What Causes Astigmatism?

The curvature of the lens and the cornea make sure that the light is focused on the retina to focus it correctly. But in astigmatism, the basketball-like cornea looks more like football. And, with this different curvature, the eye cannot focus light where it should be. And, for this reason, the vision comes out of focus, hence the blurry image. It is still not clear what causes astigmatism, but genetics does play a role. Also, injury to the eye and an unusual condition called keratoconus can cause astigmatism. 

Symptoms of Astigmatism

Here’s the confusing part; the symptoms can differ for a different person. And, some even don’t show any signs! People who have astigmatism can sometimes face the problem described below: 

• Distorted, fuzzy vision
• Problem seeing at night
• Squinting
• Headache

If any of these happen to you and you can’t find any logical reason for these problems, you should consult an ophthalmologist.  

How to Correct Astigmatism?

The term astigmatism is tough to digest, but the treatment of this irregularity is simple in most cases. People always choose eyeglasses to offset the condition.  

What Kinds of Contact Lenses Can You Wear With Astigmatism?

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TTDEYE Clear Lens

Although some mild cases of astigmatism may not need treatment, a majority of people with astigmatism will need toric contact lenses. However, with all of the advances made in contact lens technology over the years, there’s a wide range of options today. Those with astigmatism can wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly contacts across a variety of brands. Your eye doctor will help determine which type is best for you.

Soft Toric Lenses

Soft toric contact lenses are a popular option for contact wearers with astigmatism for many reasons. Toric lenses used to only be made with rigid materials, but today they can be made with soft lens materials, often making them a top choice for comfort. And daily disposable lenses are an option with soft contacts (in addition to bi-weekly or monthly), which is an added plus for wearers who prefer a fresh pair of lenses each day.

Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses are also sometimes prescribed for people with astigmatism (usually those with more severe cases). As their name implies, these contact lenses are more rigid than soft lenses, but they can provide incredible clarity, sometimes more so than soft contact lenses depending on the wearer.

RGP lenses consistently hold their shape on the eyes and create a pool of tears over the cornea that helps correct the effects of astigmatism. For new wearers, the material of RGP contacts can take some getting used to.

Scleral Contact Lenses

In rare cases, those with astigmatism might require scleral contact lenses. These types of contacts have a larger surface area than traditional contacts. Scleral contact lenses have edges that rest on the sclera—the white part of the eye.

Before being placed on the eye, the center of a scleral lens is filled with artificial tears. The center sits above the cornea with the liquid, helping to correct astigmatism.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Depending on the nature of astigmatism, an eye doctor might recommend hybrid lenses. Hybrid lenses are exactly what their name implies—a combination of the “harder” rigid gas-permeable materials and soft contact lens materials. Usually, they have a rigid center that’s surrounded by softer edges.

Can You Wear “Normal” Contact Lenses With Astigmatism?

Traditional, non-toric lenses aren’t usually prescribed for those with astigmatism unless the astigmatism is very mild. Letting astigmatism go uncorrected could impair your vision and even make it worse over time. That’s why, if you have astigmatism—or you think you might have it—it’s important to get your eyes checked to make sure you have the right lens prescription.

Can You Wear Colored Contacts With Astigmatism?

As long as your eye doctor approves it, you can absolutely wear colored contacts with astigmatism. But it’s possible there might not be as many options. The level of correction needed for your astigmatism could limit or exclude some colors.

Conclusion

As with all eye care solutions, always consult your eye doctor before making any decision. Remember, as a person with astigmatism; always prioritize your eye care. 

If you want, you can check the below video for further explanation of astigmatism.