Astigmatism and toric contact lenses

Astigmatism is a very common vision problem, yet many people remain unclear about what it really is. Corneal astigmatism, the most common type of astigmatism, simply means that there is an irregularly shaped cornea. Depending on the severity of the irregularity, symptoms can present as mild blurriness to headaches or eyestrain to severe discomfort and visual difficulty. A less common type of astigmatism results from an irregularly shaped lens. Known as lenticular astigmatism, this condition originates behind the cornea. Most cases of astigmatism, regardless of their origin, are correctable. Toric contact lenses are one option for coping with this condition. Other options include the use of eyeglasses or even surgery (in extreme cases of astigmatism).

Toric contact lenses, lenses designed with two powers, bring clear sight to those with astigmatism. Although the lens is designed specifically for astigmatic people, they can be soft or RPG like other lenses out there. In addition to the different angle curvatures they possess (to correct near-sightedness or far-sightedness plus astigmatism), they also contain a stabilizing mechanism so that they don’t move around when one blinks. Toric contact lenses are even tinted so that they are easily located while in their solution. They do not, however, alter eye color.

What causes astigmatism?

Usually, astigmatism is hereditary although injury can cause this condition. It is very important to have your eyes screened. Children, too, can be astigmatic which can affect their performance in school as well as sports. It is essential to remember, however, that astigmatism is easily treated and compensated for under the supervision of an eye doctor.

Toric Contact Lenses

One option is that of soft torics; they come in either disposable or non-disposable materials. Another option is the hard torics. This is because the material is made of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, thus they offer more oxygen and can compensate for a majority of astigmatic cases, especially the more severe cases.

In order to understand how toric contacts help compensate for your blurry vision, it is important to know the effect of astigmatism. A normal cornea is shaped like a dome. Light rays focus to a point in the back of your eye, and you get a sharp image. However, with astigmatism the cornea is incorrectly shaped like a football. The rays of light then hit two points in the back of your eye.

Toric lenses return to the same position even after a person blinks. This is because the lenses have thin zones and curvatures created at different angles. There are also special mechanisms that allow the lenses to remain stable. So even if the wearer blinks, the lenses will rotate but returns to the same position, providing sharp vision.

It is thought that a majority of people have a mild case of astigmatism. Also that it affects more women and even children can have it at an early age. The causes of astigmatism are many. It can be hereditary, partly environmental or even due to chronic eye rubbing. People who have diabetes can experience changes in the shape of their corneas.

What’s good to know is even if this eye condition is severe can be corrected by laser surgery. While for those with milder cases, a pair of eye glasses or toric contact lenses will help them look at the world with a crisp vision.

In addition to correcting astigmatism, toric soft lenses are available in a variety of colors to enhance or change your eye color as the mood suits you. These soft, toric colored lenses are usually conventional lenses meaning that they are not disposable. However, some manufactures offer a variety of soft toric lenses that are replaceable every three months, or even daily, depending upon the type of lens you purchase.

Soft toric lenses are a relatively new innovation in the long history of contact lenses. Leonardo da Vinci was the first person to conceptualize this type of vision correction device, but he was not the last. Following a centuries long development process, the toric lens was approved for sale in the United States in 1978.

If you have astigmatism, and have been told that you cannot wear soft contact lenses, toric contact lenses may be the answer. Toric contact lens rating websites can be found on the internet with information about manufactures, prices, and color options.

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