Astigmatism is present when light does not focus evenly on the retina. As a result, your vision could look blurred and stretched out. Both adults and children can develop this condition. Common symptoms include:

• Distorted or blurred vision

• Discomfort or eye strain

• Poor night vision

• Headaches

Here are the three main types of this refractive error:

• Myopic astigmatism occurs when there is nearsightedness in one or both of the principal meridians

• Hyperopic astigmatism occurs when there is farsightedness in one or both of the principal meridians

• Mixed astigmatism occurs when there is nearsightedness in one principal meridian and farsightedness in the other meridian

How Do Contact Lenses Work?

You can treat astigmatism with corrective lenses and refractive surgery. For individuals who do not want to go under the knife or wear eyeglasses, contact lenses are a great alternative. According to an eye doctor, contact lenses ensure clearer vision by changing the direction of the light ray, encouraging proper focus on the retina.

Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

The three most prevalent types of contact lenses for astigmatism include:

• Toric contact lenses. These lenses are soft and ensure clearer vision since they are able to align with the appropriate meridians. With toric lenses, expertise is required to find the best brand or design that ensures the proper fit.

• Gas permeable contact lenses. These lenses are rigid and retain their spherical shape when on the eyes. It has a uniform front surface that replaces the misshapen cornea.

• Hybrid contact lenses. These lenses have a silicone hydrogel that surrounds a gas permeable lens. They are soft like toric lenses and provide clear, sharp vision like gas permeable lenses.

Spectrum Eye Care offers top-notch eye care services, including routine eye exams, contact lenses and eyeglasses. Give us a call at (704) 543-9000, or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.