Contact lenses for astigmatism compensation

Astigmatism can be caused by either hereditary or environmental reasons. While some forms of astigmatism are not explainable, most types are clear. People who move eyes in a single direction a lot, those with lower socio-economic status, poor diet are more likely to get astigmatism.

Astigmatism is a common vision error that occurs in many people in different degrees. As people age, the condition may get worse. The oval cornea in astigmatic patients brings blurry vision. But this vision problem is not a disease and there are ways to treat it.

Nowadays, both rigid gas permeable and soft toric contact lenses are available for astigmatism correction, and sometimes possibly combined with monovision. However, both eyeglasses and contact lenses actually compensate for astigmatism, not “correcting” it.

Regular astigmatism makes the cornea just like an egg, with one flatter curvature and a second steeper curvature. There is also mixed astigmatism, which is extremely unusual. The difference between the two types lies in the two curvatures. The two curvatures of mixed astigmatism are not perpendicular to each other, which is harder for correction.

Contact lenses for astigmatism correction also have extended wear types, which allow wearers to sleep in with the lenses. Currently, both toric soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses are offered for extended wear. Most extended wear contacts are approved to last continuously six days, while one brand of toric type extends the term to 30 days. Choosing an experienced eye care practitioner is essential for proper extended lens fitting.

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