If I have astigmatism, can I wear contact lenses?

By Judith Dezso

Astigmatism is one of the most common vision problems that can be easily corrected with proper prescription contact lenses or glasses. Since astigmatism is usually a result of irregularly formed corneas, it can be easily corrected by artificial methods to reshape the cornea. Malformed corneas produce visual images that are blurry because the light rays that enter the eye do not get properly focused; therefore, the other treatment option for astigmatism involves using a lens that can help correct the refractive error.

Two Main Types of Contact Lenses Designed to Treat Astigmatism

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
RGP lenses are harder and smaller in diameter than soft contact lenses. People with astigmatism usually have elongated corneas, whereas, people with good vision have more spherical ones. With this knowledge taken into account, RGP contact lenses were designed to mimic spherical corneas in order to treat astigmatism. Once the spherical RGP contact lenses are worn, the eyes’ natural tear film will fill up the space between the lenses and the irregular cornea.

However, the spherical RGP lens is not a miracle solution that is capable of treating every case of astigmatism. Sometimes, if the astigmatism is caused by irregularity in the lens in the eye instead of the cornea, a soft toric contact lens will work better than RGP contacts.

RGP contact lenses are best suited to treat astigmatism that results from irregular corneas. They provide consistent, clear vision and prove to be more economical over the long-term than soft toric contacts.

The main pitfall of RGP contact lenses is the initial discomfort wearers usually experience when first putting them on.

Soft Toric Contact Lenses

The other vision correction option astigmatism sufferers have at their disposal is the soft toric contact lens. It is made from a combination of a flexible polymer and water molecules, which makes the toric lens permeable to both oxygen and water. Toric contact lenses mainly correct for astigmatism caused by irregularity in the eyes’ natural lenses.

The soft toric lens is composed of varying powers that align with the problem areas in the eye in order to correct the refractive errors of the eye’s lens. Soft toric contact lenses are suitable for people looking for comfort, ease of use, and exciting color options.

From daily disposable contacts to those that can be disposed of after 30 days of use, soft toric lenses are very accommodating to the wearer’s lifestyle as they can be replaced on a schedule that is most convenient for the user.

The one biggest disadvantage that can deter people from enjoying the convenience of soft toric lenses is the fact that fluctuations in vision quality are commonplace.

Risks Associated With Treating Astigmatism With Contact Lenses
Since contact lenses make direct contact with the tear film on the eye’s surface, there is always a possibility for an infection to manifest. A good diagnosis and prescription from an eye care specialist, followed by regular cleaning and proper care of contact lenses will go to great lengths to reduce chances of infection.

Although both gas permeable and soft toric contact lenses were designed to allow oxygen to reach the cornea, wearing contacts for too long may cause the cornea to be deprived of oxygen. In this case, the cornea might develop unsightly blood vessels in an attempt to supply itself with oxygen from the bloodstream.

You can find valuable information regaring eyecare and contact lenses on our http://www.lensesbymail.com website.

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