subject: Astigmatism and Contact Lenses - A Good Fit? [print this page] Astigmatism and Contact Lenses - A Good Fit?
Blurring or distortion of images at any distance, headache, fatigue, eye discomfort or irritation leading to squinting...if any of these sound familiar to you, there may be the possibility that you have the condition known as astigmatism. But what is astigmatism and are contact lenses a good method of correcting this uncomfortable condition?Some experts believe that every person has a certain degree of astigmatism. They also believe that most people are actually born with the irregular curvature of the cornea that causes it. Some people are more prone to this condition than others as it is an inherited trait. Basically, being astigmatic means that the corneas of your eyes are not perfectly round.Astigmatism belongs to the group of eye conditions known as refractive errors. Refractive errors cause a disruption in the way that light rays are focused within the eye. This condition is often associated with either nearsightedness or farsightedness because they are also the result of refractive errors. This condition is not a disease; it is simply a variation or disturbance in the shape of the cornea.Contact lenses may be a suitable treatment for astigmatism, depending on the severity of the curvature of the cornea. Oftentimes there is a curvature that requires no correction whatsoever. However, when the degree of curvature is significant enough to result in eye strain, distortion of vision, or headaches; it is recommended that you receive an examination and treatment from your eye doctor. Through proper diagnosis, it can be determined if contact lenses are the best treatment option.The type of contact lenses used to treat astigmatism is typically Toric lenses. These contact lenses have an addition power element called a cylinder so have greater ability to bend light in one axis more than others. As always with contact lenses, the correct prescription comes after precise tests given during an eye examination.Toric lenses, like regular lenses, may be either soft or "hard". They are gas permeable, so oxygen travels through the lens to your eye. What sets Toric lenses apart is that they have a definite "up" and "down" to them; meaning that they are not spherically symmetric. With a regular lens, it doesn't matter if it rotates on the eye. With a toric lens orientation will affect visual acuity. Most of the time, the orientation is managed by the lens being thicker and heavier on the bottom. The thicker portion of the lens is pushed down by the eyelid during blinking, ensuring the lens is in the correct position on the eye.It is possible to be astigmatic in one or both eyes. During an eye exam, your doctor will be able to determine if one or both of your eyes are affected. When only one eye is affected, that eye will be prescribed a corrective lens and the unaffected eye will wear a regular lens.Having corneas with irregular curves is not a condition that should severely impact your life. Through proper testing and corrective lenses, you should have be able to enjoy all sorts of activities.
