Contact Lenses for Astigmatism at Maple Ridge Eye Care

Astigmatism is a condition that affects vision at all distances.  Unlike myopia or hyperopia, astigmatism is characterized by corneal and lens abnormalities instead of eye length. Unfortunately, standard soft contacts may not provide sufficient correction for those of us with astigmatism. There are, however, a number of specialized contact lenses that can correct astigmatism, all available here at Maple Ridge Eye Care.

How Astigmatism Distorted Vision

Astigmatism isn't like other refractive errors, in which an irregular eyeball length blurs vision at a specific distance level. Instead, astigmatism is caused by irregular corneas (or, less commonly, irregularly-shaped lenses). Instead of the smooth, spherical curve that allows for normal refraction of incoming light, an astigmatic cornea is more oblong or football-shaped. This alters the image received by the retina by introducing blurriness, not just when you're viewing close-up or faraway objects, but consistently through all distances. The more severe the distortion, as in conditions such as keratoconus, the worse the astigmatism.

Like other refractive errors, astigmatism can usually be corrected with contact lenses. Unlike those other conditions, astigmatism may not respond to ordinary soft contacts. For one thing, soft contacts are designed to conform to the existing contours of the cornea, and when the cornea is abnormally shaped, these contacts can do little to compensate. Secondly, ordinary contacts lenses have a tendency to rotate on the corneas when you blink. This prevents them from correcting specific zones of corneal distortion with any consistency. Severe astigmatism may simply require stronger correction than soft contacts can provide.

A Variety of Contact Lens Options

Comprehensive vision testing, followed by a contact lens exam, can help us understand the specific pattern and severity of your astigmatism. We can then prescribe a number of specialized contact lens options, including:

• Toric contacts - Toric contacts are shaped and weighted so that they won't rotate, allowing for precise astigmatism correction.
• RGP contacts - Rigid gas-permeable contacts keep their shape on the corneas while also offering accurate correction of more severe astigmatism.
• Hybrid contacts - If you're not comfortable with RGP lenses, we offer hybrid lenses that have a soft outer rim. 
• Scleral contacts - Scleral contacts rest on the white of the eye, not the cornea, making them ideal for severe corneal irregularities.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Maple Ridge Clinic

Are you searching for contact lenses that can actually give you astigmatism correction you need? Call our Maple Ridge clinic today at 604-463-4469 to schedule an appointment!