Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

The American Academy of Ophthalmology defines astigmatism as a type of eye disorder that impairs your ability to have clear vision. Statistics show that 50 percent of at least 11,000 eyeglass wearers have a level of astigmatism in one or even both of their eyes. You need special contact lenses to correct this vision problem. If you want to know the types of contact lenses for astigmatism, here is what you should know.

 

Gas Permeable (GP) Contact Lenses

Also known as rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, GP lenses are usually common in astigmatism treatments. Their hardness allows them to maintain their spherical shape while in contact with your irregularly shaped cornea. They replace your dysfunctional cornea, bending or refracting light on the surface of your eye. If you need GP lenses that have a large diameter, then you need scleral lenses. These lenses can correct your astigmatism if your cornea is highly irregular. Patients find GP lenses more effective in providing sharper vision than toric soft contacts. You just need more time to get used to their rigidity. Fitting them takes more patience and skill than fitting ordinary or toric soft contacts. It is also more expensive to get them the first time or even replace them.

 

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Experts say that hybrid contacts are the best contact lenses for people with astigmatism. The central area of these lenses is made of hard GP material. What surrounds it is a soft, hydrogel skirt. It gives you sharp vision and comfort at the same time. The larger diameter of hybrid contact lenses decreases their risk of falling or dislodging. It takes more time to fit these contacts because they must be customized for your eyes. These lenses are designed for long-term wear. Because you do not need to replace them all the time, you save more money.

 

Specialty Contact Lenses

Years ago, there were limited types of soft contact lenses for correcting astigmatism. Now, there are soft contacts that target unique and excessive levels of astigmatism. These are disposable contacts that come in various materials and designs. You can replace them daily, biweekly, or monthly. Colored contact lenses with toric features can also correct astigmatism. These lenses can correct presbyopia and astigmatism while changing or enhancing your eye color.

 

Soft Toric Contact Lenses

Toric lenses are usually made of either silicon hydrogel or hydrogel. Silicone hydrogel is a more breathable type of material. It allows more oxygen to enter your cornea. Soft toric lenses can correct different levels of farsightedness or nearsightedness in various meridians. Their special design allows them to rotate. This makes them position themselves better on your cornea. When they do so, they align properly with your eye meridians. Thus, giving you clearer vision and greater fit.

 

Find out more about contact lenses for astigmatism, contact Miller Vision Center in, Norman, Oklahoma at 405-389-4200.