Astigmatism and Contact Lenses

Have you ever been told that astigmatism and contact lenses don't go together?  Have you ever been told that, because of your astigmatism, you would be doomed to wearing eyeglasses forever? 

Thanks to advances in the contact lens technology, and contact lenses are no longer considered incompatible. 

So what exactly is the problem with contact lenses?  Astigmatism is a condition of the eye which causes blurry vision.  A normal eye is shaped like a sphere or a ball; but with astigmatism the cornea elongates so it is shaped more like a football.  Due to the irregular curves,  the eye does not allow light to travel as it would in a normal eye.  This impairs the eye's ability to focus, which causes blurred vision.

Due to this unusual shape and the resulting vision problems, people with astigmatism have to get contact lenses that are designed specifically for eyes with astigmatism.  These contact lenses for astigmatism are known as toric contact lenses.  

Toric lenses are made of the same material as “spherical” (or “normal”) lenses; the difference is in how they are designed.  Toric lenses essentially have two lenses built into one; similar to bifocal eyeglasses.  This allows for part of the lens to manage the astigmatism, and the other part to correct the vision.   These lenses also have a stabilizing mechanism built in, which ensures that the contact stays in place on your eye (instead of shifting around) when you blink. 

Astigmatism contact lenses can come in either soft or RGP (rigid gas permeable).  Depending on the severity of the astigmatism, some people can only get RGP contact lenses for their astigmatism. 

The technology for astigmatism and contact lenses has come so far that people who need these toric lenses now have plenty of extra options that they can get with their lenses.  Nearly every major contact lens brand has their own version of astigmatism contact lenses, each with their own added benefit. 

Acuvue toric contact lenses, for example, have four “stability zones” which keep the lens in place; resulting in reliable, crisp, comfortable vision.  Acuvue's Hydraclear Plus technology keeps the lens moist, and retains moisture all day for long wearability and comfort. In addition, the Hydraclear technology ensures the lens is extra smooth and allows 98% of oxygen to reach the cornea, which adds to the long-wearing comfort of the lenses.

Bausch and Lomb contact lenses offers a line called PureVision. The PureVision brand uses deposit-resistant material, which also allows the lenses to stay moist and wearable all day long.  The PureVision line also features a rounded edge, which ensures a better fit and greater comfort.

Proclear is known for its patented PC technology.  PC is short for “phosphorylcholine,” which is a naturally occurring substance found in human membrane. Proclear utilizes this substance which absorbs water, keeping the lenses moist and resistant to dehydration as well as protecting them from dust and other irritants. 

As you can see, technology for astigmatism and contact lenses has created many options for toric lens wearers.  

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