Astigmatism Doesn’t Rule Out Contact Lenses

If you have astigmatism and you think you can't wear contacts, you're mistaken. Contact lenses can actually be a way to correct the condition. A normal cornea is round, but the cornea of someone with astigmatism is more oval-shaped, sort of like a football. This ostensibly small detail actually changes the way light hits the retina, and results in blurred vision.

Toric contact lenses are used to fix this condition. What separates these from common lenses is the design. Think of them as almost like the bifocals of contact lenses; they contain one power for your distance vision issues and another for your astigmatism. Because of their multiple powers, toric lenses must remain in place on your eye. This is different from regular lenses, which can shift slightly without affecting your sight. Contact lenses for astigmatism are therefore weighted on the bottom, and this helps them stay in place on your eye.

There are multiple scheduling options for toric contact lens users, including soft disposable contact lenses, daily disposable lenses, and frequent replacement lenses. If you like to wear multifocal or even colored contact lenses, there are toric lenses for you. Hard contact lenses, also called rigid gas permeable lenses, are made from a material that gives them a firmer shape which helps them stay in place, but usually, they're a little less agreeable to wear than soft lenses. There's a contact lens which is just right for you.

When it's time for your toric lens fitting, it's going to take some time, due to the complexity of the product. Still, with advances in eyewear technology, those with astigmatism can take advantage of the benefits of contact lenses, with many options to choose from.