Eyeglasses can provide correction for astigmatism, however, many people with this refractive error can also highly benefit from contact lenses. When you visit Eyecare Professionals, which serves Hazen, Mandan, and Washburn, ND, our optometrist, Dr. James Helmers, can assess your eye health and help you determine which lenses would be best for your condition. Prior to visiting us, learn more about astigmatism and three types of contact lenses that can provide sharper vision below!
What is Astigmatism?
People who don't have astigmatism have rounded corneas that are shaped like a dome. The cornea focuses light at a single point on the retina for crisp, clear vision. However, those who have astigmatism have corneas that are shaped like a football or an egg. The cornea does not focus light on the retina and causes distorted vision.
About one-third of the populated in the United States has astigmatism. When it isn't corrected, it results in blurry vision and causes eyestrain and headaches. Contact lenses can provide better correction because they fit across the entire cornea. You also don't lose correction on the sides of your field of vision.
Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Regular contact lenses are spherical, while toric contact lenses are shaped like a slice of a side of a donut. Soft toric contact lenses are designed specifically for the shape of your cornea. They also have both a horizontal and vertical orientation. You must place toric contact lenses in the right horizontal and vertical position in order to have clearer vision correction.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses retain their shape when you place them in your eye. These contact lenses also allow more oxygen to reach the surface of your eye. Along with that, they don't conform to the shape of your eye the way that soft contacts do. This enables them sit properly on your cornea and focus light directly on your retina. People who have astigmatism may prefer rigid gas permeable contacts than soft contacts, as they provide sharper vision. Since these are smaller than regular contacts, they can be harder to put in and it may take up to a month to adjust to wearing these.
Hybrid Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Hybrid contact lenses feature a rigid center and soft edges. They provide great vision correction without feeling as if you have a rigid object in your eye. These also have thinner edges than rigid glass permeable contacts, so they are less likely to fall out when you are enjoying physical activity. However, the fit must be precise in order to receive the correction that you need.
Contact us for Treatment Today
If you are considering contact lenses or want to change the type of lenses that you’ve been utilizing for astigmatism, our team at Eyecare Professionals can help. Call us at (701) 748-6533 for an appointment in Hazen, (701) 663-2020 for Mandan, or (701) 462-8636 for Washburn, ND. We look forward to helping you improve your eyesight!
