Contact Lenses for Astigmatism at First Eye Care

Astigmatism is a condition that causes distorted vision.  It is possible to be born with this condition, and in fact, most people are born with some degree of irregular curvature to the cornea.  It is much easier to diagnose in adults than children, but both are easily treated with lenses or contacts.  

What exactly is astigmatism?

Within the eye there is the cornea.  This is the round dome that covers the iris and pupil.  Typically, the cornea and lens is smooth and evenly curved throughout the eye mimicking the shape of the lens.  In astigmatism this curve has an imperfection or is not uniform throughout the lens.  Because the cornea helps a person see by focusing light onto the retina it is vital for perfect vision.  When the shape of the cornea is curved irregularly light rays are not refracted correctly and vision is distorted.  

Can people with astigmatism wear contact lenses?

Absolutely!  Most people with astigmatism make the mistake of believing that they are not a good candidate for contact lenses.  Contrary to popular belief this couldn't be further from the truth.  Today there are far more options for people with astigmatism than ever existed before.  Let's take a look at some of the more popular options.

• Toric Lenses - Toric lenses are different from traditional soft lenses in two major ways.  First, Toric lenses use different powers in varying meridians to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.  Second, the lens is designed so that it is able rotate around the eye so that it can find the proper orientation on the cornea.  This allows the proper meridian to align with the eye.  Remember, each eye is unique so it can take a few tries to find the right Toric lens.
• Gas Permeable Lenses - Often referred to as RGP or GP lenses, gas permeable lenses are a great option for patients.  GP lenses, unlike soft lenses, are rigid and are able to hold their perfect spherical shape.  The lens sits on top of the eye and acts to refract the light correctly through the retina since the misshapen cornea is not able to.  Many patients who use GP lenses report even sharper vision than those that use Toric soft lenses.
• Hybrid Lenses - Hybrid lenses are truly the best of both worlds.  These lenses have a center that is similar to a GP lens with a rigid, spherical shape.  Around the rigid lens is a soft material similar to traditional soft lenses.  This way the patient is able to experience the sharp, crisp vision achieved with GP lenses but also the comfort of soft lenses.
• Specialty Lenses - A few years ago, options for people with astigmatism were very limited.  Today there are several options available including disposable lenses that are worn daily, biweekly, or monthly.  Further, patients with astigmatism are also able to buy colored lenses or even bifocal lenses.

Get Clearer Vision at First Eye Care in Killeen and Salado

If you suffer with astigmatism and are interested in wearing contact lenses it is important to know your options are no longer limited.  The experts at First Eye Care are here to help you get fitted with the right pair of lenses.  We have two convenient offices in Texas.  Our office in Killeen, (254)-690-4733, is located at 2102 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen, Texas 76543. Our office in Salado, (254)-781-0041, is at 418 N. Main St., Salado, Texas 76571.  Call for an appointment today.