Contact Lenses for Astigmatism | Everything You Need to Know  

In the past, fitting and wearing contact lenses used to be more difficult. Although many people with easily corrected refractive errors can wear contact lenses, patients whose eyes do not match the smooth curvature of most standard lenses were often left with fewer options.  

If you were told in the past that you can’t wear contact lenses because of astigmatism, it’s worth checking again at your next eye exam. Contact lens technology is constantly advancing, and there are now more options than ever to correct your vision with contacts.  

Talk to your ophthalmologist about contact lenses, and keep reading to learn about the types of lenses that can help people with astigmatism achieve clearer vision.  

Also read: The Most Common FAQs About LASIK Surgery  

What Is Astigmatism?  

Astigmatism is a vision condition caused by an irregularly shaped or cylindrical cornea or lens, or by mismatched curvatures in different parts of the eye’s anatomy. This means that light entering the eye cannot be focused precisely onto the right spot on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.  

Astigmatism often starts in childhood and may be influenced by genetics, subtle changes or irregularities in eye development, or pressure on the cornea or eyelid. It is frequently found together with farsightedness (hyperopia) or nearsightedness (myopia), and these three conditions are all classified as refractive errors.  

Astigmatism may be associated with signs and symptoms such as:  

Also read: Why Do My Eyes Water When I Lie Down? | Causes and Treatment  

Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism  

Here are the most common types of contact lenses used to correct astigmatism:  

Toric Lenses  

Toric lenses are specially designed contact lenses used to correct astigmatism. While many standard contact lenses are uniformly soft and round, toric lenses have different thicknesses and curvatures in specific areas to compensate for the eye’s uneven corneal shape.  

Toric lenses are available as soft contact lenses made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. They provide different refractive powers along their vertical and horizontal axes, which helps address the differently shaped areas of the eye’s surface. Toric lenses rotate into the correct position on the eye so they sit in the optimal alignment to correct your vision.  

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Night Blindness  

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses  

Rigid gas permeable lenses are made from firm plastic that holds its shape while allowing oxygen to pass through to the eye. Because of their rigidity, they can correct vision problems caused by astigmatism effectively. Since they are not soft enough to mold to the contours of the eye, they maintain a consistent shape that provides stable refractive correction and clearer vision.  

Rigid gas permeable lenses are also called gas permeable lenses, GP lenses, RGP lenses, or oxygen-permeable lenses. They usually take longer to get used to than soft lenses because they are thicker and firmer. They are often custom-made to fit the individual eye.  

Also read: Corneal Transplantation With Images | Accurate Facts and Information  

Hybrid Lenses  

Hybrid lenses combine features of soft lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses to optimize both comfort and vision. The central zone is made of a rigid gas permeable material to provide sharp, crisp vision, while the outer skirt is made of soft hydrogel.  

The soft outer ring enhances comfort, and its larger diameter helps the lens stay in place more securely during physical activity.  

Also read: Does Poor Eyesight Cause Headaches? | Find the Accurate Answer  

Scleral Lenses  

Scleral lenses are a type of large-diameter rigid gas permeable lens designed to fit eyes with irregular corneas. These lenses vault over the cornea entirely and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). Because they “bridge” the cornea, they create a fluid reservoir filled with saline solution that keeps the eye hydrated during wear.  

This makes scleral lenses an excellent option for people with dry eye disease, as well as those with irregular corneas or advanced astigmatism.  

Also read: Symptoms of Poor Vision and Everything You Need to Know About Low Vision  

Finding the Right Contact Lenses for You  

If you’re interested in contact lenses to correct your astigmatism, let your eye doctor know at your next eye exam. A contact lens evaluation will be added to your routine comprehensive eye exam. The contact lens fitting typically includes measurements such as:  

Fitting contact lenses for astigmatism can take longer than a standard contact lens fitting, because there are more individual variables in the shape of the eye and the corneal surface. There are even fully customized contact lenses available specifically for astigmatism.  

Once your ophthalmologist determines the type of contact lens best suited for you, there may be a trial period of about a week or so to make sure you are happy with the fit, that the lenses feel comfortable, and that they provide the level of vision correction you need.  

Also read: The Smallest MicroPulse Laser Device for Treating Eye Deviation and Strabismus  

Whatever eye condition or problem you may have, it is a precise medical issue that requires a thorough examination and appropriate treatment by a skilled, experienced ophthalmologist using effective medical tools to achieve positive results. Whatever eye disease you suffer from, you can book an appointment at Batal Specialized Center to undergo the necessary evaluation and start addressing your eye problems, whatever they may be.  

Also read: Does Poor Eyesight Cause Dizziness? | Causes of Double Vision and How to Treat It