Focusing on Astigmatism and Contact Lenses

So many people with astigmatism are under the impression that they are not able to wear contact lenses. It may come as a surprise to know that there's actually a unique kind of contact lens that corrects astigmatism. The cornea is normally round, but in the case of someone with astigmatism, it's more oval-shaped, almost like a football. This changes how light hits the retina, and results in blurred vision.

Contact lenses that fix this condition, known as toric contact lenses, are made from exactly the same material as regular lenses. Toric lenses are designed differently from regular lenses. Think of them as almost like the bifocals of contact lenses; they have a power to fix your near or far sightedness and another for your astigmatism. Compared with regular lenses, which can easily move around on your eye and have no effect on your vision, toric lenses must stay in place. Contact lenses for astigmatism are therefore ballasted on the bottom, and this helps them stay in place on your eye.

There are several scheduling options for toric contact lens wearers, including soft disposable contact lenses, daily disposable lenses, and frequent replacement lenses. And folks with astigmatism have no shortage of options; toric lenses also come in color, or as multifocals. Hard contact lenses, also called rigid gas permeable lenses, are made from a material that gives them a stronger shape which allows them to stay put when you blink, but they aren't always as comfortable as soft lenses. Rest assured, there's a contact lens which perfectly suits your needs, and your eye care professional will help you find it.

Because toric lenses are just a bit more complex, you should factor in some extra time for your fitting. This all might sound a little daunting, but it's worth the end result; getting treated, glasses-free. Being fitted with the best product for you will only improve your vision, and consequently, your everyday life.