You are interested in visiting a doctor of optometry to get contacts. There is a problem, though. You have astigmatism in your eyes and are not sure if this is a viable option. You can get contacts if you have astigmatism, but there are some things you need to know. Learn your options and discuss them with your optometrist. Then you can choose contacts to correct your vision and your astigmatism.
People with astigmatism are not good candidates for standard contact lenses. Standard lenses correct the vision but do not fit over the cornea properly. Contact lenses move around, and that creates vision problems for people with astigmatism. Patients with astigmatism can choose from three popular options, though.
Toric contact lenses are created for people with astigmatism. The lenses have specific meridians, or visual fields, just like the eyes do. These lenses are designed to rotate, so the meridians of the contact lenses sit on the correct meridians of the eyes. Patients must visit a doctor of optometry to get the lenses fitted. Several fittings might be necessary for these lenses.
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses do not require a toric design to correct the blurred vision of astigmatism. These rigid lenses do not change shape in the eye. The contacts act as a replacement for the cornea that is misshapen due to astigmatism. Because the lenses replace the cornea, they do not need to rotate to specific meridians. The contact lenses work, regardless of how they are positioned in the eye.
Rigid gas permeable lenses provide a sharper vision than toric lenses do. However, rigid lenses are uncomfortable for some people. Often, additional fittings help the optometrist find the ideal rigid gas permeable lenses for patients. However, those who cannot adapt to the lenses need to use a different option.
Hybrid lenses are a combination of rigid gas permeable lenses and soft contact lenses. The central portion of the contact is made of the material used for rigid gas permeable lenses. That material is somewhat flexible due to the silicone it contains. The outside portion of the contact is made of silicone hydrogel or hydrogel. Many people find these lenses to be the right blend between the comfort of toric lenses and the visual capability of rigid gas permeable lenses. Many people with astigmatism choose this type of lens because of those benefits.
If you have astigmatism, you can wear contacts. Visit an optometrist and go over your options. The optometrist will talk to you about toric, rigid gas permeable and hybrid lenses. Once you select a lens type, you will undergo a fitting. It might take several fittings to find the contact lenses that work for your eyes. Once you find the right lenses, you can finally ditch your glasses.
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