If you have astigmatism, you might wonder whether contact lenses can work for your vision needs. Many people with this common eye condition assume they’re stuck with glasses forever, but at ProVision, we help patients discover that contact lenses can be an excellent solution.
Yes, you can absolutely wear contact lenses if you have astigmatism, and several specialized options can help correct your vision effectively. The key is finding the right type of contact lens designed for your condition.
What Is Astigmatism and How Does It Affect Your Vision?
Astigmatism happens when your cornea, the clear outer layer of your eye, has an irregular shape, sort of like a football rather than a basketball. This causes light to focus unevenly on your retina (the back of your eye), creating vision problems that can affect your daily activities.
You might notice these common symptoms if you have astigmatism:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Eye strain and headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Squinting to see clearly
Types of Contact Lenses That Can Work with Astigmatism
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric lenses are often the most popular choice for astigmatism correction. These soft contacts have different powers in different areas to match your eye’s irregular shape.
Your eye doctor can fit you with daily, weekly, or monthly toric lenses depending on your lifestyle. These lenses stay in position through special design features that prevent them from rotating in your eye.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contacts
Hard contacts create a smooth surface over your irregular cornea, which can mask mild to moderate astigmatism. These lenses allow oxygen to pass through while maintaining their shape on your eye.
You’ll need time to adjust to the feel of rigid contacts, but many people find them comfortable once they’re adapted to them. They can provide sharper vision than soft lenses for certain types of astigmatism.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring. This design gives you the clear vision of hard contacts with much of the comfort of soft lenses.
This type of contact lens works well if you have moderate to high astigmatism but want more comfort than traditional rigid contacts offer.
How Astigmatism Contacts Differ from Regular Contacts
Toric lenses have unique design features that help them correct your astigmatism effectively. Unlike regular contacts, which can rotate slightly throughout the day without significantly affecting your vision, these lenses must remain in a specific position on your eye to work as intended.
Toric lenses are different because they have:
- Stabilization features to prevent rotation
- Different powers in different areas
- Custom fitting requirements
Proper contact lens care becomes even more important with toric lenses to maintain their specialized shape and positioning features.
What to Expect When Getting Fitted for Astigmatism Contacts
Comprehensive Eye Exam
Your optometrist in Los Angeles can take detailed measurements of your cornea’s shape using corneal topography. They can also measure the curvature of your eye and determine which lens design works well for your specific needs.
These measurements help make sure your contacts fit properly and provide clear, comfortable vision throughout the day.
Trial Period and Adjustments
You might need several fittings to find the perfect lens for your eyes. Your eye doctor can adjust the prescription or try different brands until you achieve clear vision and comfortable wear.
This process takes patience, but it’s necessary to get contacts that work well for your unique eye shape and astigmatism pattern.
Learning to Insert and Remove Your Contacts
Toric lenses require specific insertion techniques to help them settle in the correct position. Our eye care team can teach you how to check whether your lens is positioned properly.
Common Challenges and Solutions with Astigmatism Contacts
Contact Lens Rotation Issues
Sometimes your toric lens might rotate slightly, causing blurry vision. This can happen when you blink hard, rub your eyes, or when you’re putting them in at the beginning of the day.
Your eye doctor can recommend safe ways to reposition the lens if rotation becomes an issue. If this is a frequent issue, you might need a different lens design or fit.
Comfort and Adaptation Period
Toric lenses are typically thicker than regular contacts, so you might notice them more at first. Though everyone is different, most people adapt within a few days to a week of consistent wear.
We sometimes recommend starting with shorter wearing times and gradually increasing as your eyes adjust to the new lenses. If you experience persistent discomfort, consider exploring specialty contact lenses that may provide a better fit or comfort.
Cost Considerations
Astigmatism contacts can cost more than regular lenses because of their specialized design and manufacturing process. However, some insurance plans help cover the additional expense.
Your eye care provider can discuss payment options and help you find lenses that fit your budget while meeting your vision needs.
Considerations with Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
While most people with astigmatism can wear contacts successfully, some situations might make glasses a more practical choice. Your eye doctor can help you determine if contacts are suitable for your specific condition.
You may need to consider glasses if you have:
- Very severe astigmatism
- Frequent eye infections
- Difficulty with caring for your contact lenses
Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam
At ProVision, our experienced eye care team is here to help you find contact lenses that can work for your vision, even with astigmatism. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today to discover how contact lenses can improve your daily life and visual comfort.
