What you need to know about astigmatism and lenses
With approximately one-third of all Americans having some form of astigmatism, this vision condition is pretty common. Astigmatism makes the cornea of your eye oval (football-shaped) instead of round, leading to blurry vision because light doesn’t reflect properly. It is diagnosed during a regular eye exam and can typically be treated effectively with corrective eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses. Visit our family optometrist in Copperas Cove, Texas to book an eye exam. We specialize in fitting contact lenses for astigmatism.
Overcome astigmatism with contact lenses
In recent years, contact lens technology has developed and advanced by leaps and bounds. One successful product to emerge has been contact lenses for astigmatism. How do they work?
When light enters your eye, it passes through different parts of your eye before being focused into a clear image on your retina. This process of light bending is called refraction, and it begins with the cornea at the surface of your eye. Normally, the cornea is smoothly rounded, so light can be focused at all angles. Yet, with astigmatism, the elliptical and irregular shape of the cornea causes light to be refracted inconsistently, interfering with your clear vision.
Because of the irregular cornea shape of astigmatism, standard contact lenses were not an option in the past. The lenses would shift and slide around the cornea, unable to give sharp vision. Now, modern specialized contact lenses are available to accommodate astigmatism.
Types of lenses for astigmatism
There are three basic types of contact lenses to fit patients with astigmatism, and you need a qualified eye care provider to recommend the best option for your eyes. Visit our Copperas Cove, Texas, to find the optimal contact lenses solution, such as:
Toric contact lenses
Toric lenses are made from the same oxygen-permeable materials as standard lenses, but they correct vision for a wide range of nearsightedness and farsightedness due to astigmatism. They are designed in a way that stabilizes the lens and allows it to rotate to the best position for consistent, sharp vision. Most people find them comfortable to wear, even for long periods. However, the cost of toric lenses can run on the higher side. For ultimate convenience, disposable toric lenses are also available.
Gas permeable contact lenses
GP lenses, usually thicker than soft lenses, are constructed from rigid oxygen-permeable materials. However, they’re not the hard lenses of yesteryear, due to the inclusion of silicone nowadays. Instead of molding to fit your cornea, GP lenses create a firm, spherical shape to replace the corneal irregularities of astigmatism. While gas permeable lenses can be very effective, some people complain that they’re uncomfortable. More durable than soft lenses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses tend to be less expensive than toric lenses.
Hybrid contact lenses
Hybrid lenses combine the features of toric and GP contacts. These specialty lenses have a wider diameter, with a rigid central zone encircled by soft lens material, such as hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Seen as giving the best of both worlds, they provide the comfort of soft toric lenses along with the crisp vision of GP lenses.
Clear and healthy vision with astigmatism and contact lenses
Now that you know the contact lenses options for astigmatism, schedule a consultation with our Copperas Cove, Texas, optometrist to learn which type of lenses are best for your vision and eye health!
At Cove Eyecare, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 254-549-1142 or book an appointment online to see one of our Copperas Cove eye doctors.
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