If you or your beloved one has been diagnosed with astigmatism, there is nothing to worry about as the condition is pretty common and it has numerous vision correction options. Though, the term sounds overwhelming as it sounds like “stigmat..ism.” Relax, astigmatism is not a stigma and nothing to be ashamed of. It is just another vision disorder, farsightedness or nearsightedness. While nearsightedness blurs near vision, astigmatism blues both near and distant visions.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is related to the curvature of the cornea of the eye. For a perfect eye, the cornea would be a perfect sphere and free of any imperfection. For the person with astigmatism, the shape of the cornea is oblong like an egg. This shape prevents light from focusing on your retina to form a sharp image, regardless of whether it is close or far away.
Astigmatism runs in the DNA. It is present from birth and can change with the passage of time. An eye injury or a surgical procedure can speed up the development of astigmatism. One can have astigmatism along with other refractive complications like myopia and hyperopia.
Does wearing contact lenses correct Astigmatism?
Previously, wearing glasses was the only option to correct Astigmatism. Whereas, about thirty years ago, if you wanted to use the contact lenses for Astigmatism, you were likely to use hard lenses, also known as “rigid gas permeable lenses.” However, today, soft toric lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions for all sorts of eyes.
How does lens correct astigmatism?
To understand that, you have to imagine the front surface of the eye as the face of a clock. For each quarter, you have meridians. Toric lens is a special kind of contact lens that applies different prescription lens powers to these meridians that correct the eye’s toroidal vision.
The challenge in making a toric lens lies in having the different optical powers in the right place. It has to be a perfect fit because if the lens moves too much, it won’t help you to maintain a stable and clear vision. Several techniques are applied to achieve perfection in this and many have been successful.
Soft lens for Astigmatism:
There is a vast variety of contact lenses available for astigmatism. Normally, soft contact lenses are being prescribed for most of the astigmatic cases but these are not the only option. Soft toric contact lenses for astigmatism are available in multifocal, silicone hydrogel daily disposable, and frequent replacement varieties. Silicone hydrogel is one of the most used materials for a frequent replacement lens. Today, almost all the eye practitioners recommend toric silicone hydrogel daily lenses for astigmatism
