There is a common misconception that those suffering from astigmatism cannot wear contact lenses. Due to developments in design and manufacturing, there are now different options for those who prefer to wear them in place of glasses.
What is Astigmatism?
Generally, a person’s eye is shaped like a sphere. When light enters the cornea of a normal eye, it is refracted evenly, creating a clear view of an object. For those with astigmatism, the cornea is shaped like a football or the back of a spoon. When the light enters the misshapen eye, it is refracted more in one direction than the other, so that only one part of the object can be in focus at a time. This causes blurred vision. Often, the blurred vision is combined with nearsightedness or farsightedness. In those instances, it is appropriate to treat the astigmatism.
Treatment Options
Traditional treatment options for astigmatism include glasses and laser surgery. In recent years, advancements in design have made a viable option out of contact lenses. Grand Rapids based manufacturers, along with many others, have developed new types of lenses for those afflicted with the condition.
Toric Contacts
Made of either traditional hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, toric contact lenses are specifically made to treat astigmatism. Unlike standard spherical lenses, toric lenses have varying powers along the different meridians of the lens in order to correct the different degrees of nearsightedness and farsightedness along different meridians of the eye. They also are designed to rotate so as to sit properly on the cornea to allow the power meridian of the lens to line up with the proper meridian within the eye.
Gas Permeable Lenses
Also known as rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP), these lenses can correct astigmatism without the toric design. Because they are rigid, they maintain their spherical shape rather than conforming to the misshapen eye like a soft lens would. The uniform contour of the spherical lens replaces the misshapen cornea as the primary refracting surface of the eye, thereby correcting the astigmatism.
Hybrid Lenses
For some, hybrid lenses are a better choice. Hybrid lenses offer a center zone that is RGP surrounded by a fitting zone made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. These allow for the crispness of vision given by GP lenses along with the comfort of soft lenses. They are similar in size to toric lenses, so there is a minimal chance of them becoming dislodged during sports or other strenuous activities.
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology has a positive working relationship with contact lens manufacturers across the board. We are able to keep our prices low and pass along the savings to our customers. Please check out our website at URL.
