A Quick Guide to Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by a misshapen cornea. Instead of rounded, the surface of the cornea is shaped more like an egg or a football. This causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in an image that looks blurry and stretched out. The condition can be treated with refractive surgery and corrective lenses. If you prefer to avoid surgery but don’t want to wear eyeglasses, you can choose contact lenses.

Read on to learn the different types of contact lenses for astigmatism as well as the factors you should consider before getting contact lenses.

Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

• Toric: These lenses are soft, and they can rotate due to their design. Toric lenses are able to align with the appropriate meridians, providing you with clearer vision. However, they require more expertise to guarantee a proper fit. You may also need to try different designs and brands before you can find the best fit.

• Gas permeable: GP lenses have a rigid design that enables them to retain their spherical shape when on the eyes. They have a uniform front surface that replaces the misshapen cornea, allowing light to hit the retina in a way that would result in clearer vision.

• Hybrid: This type of contact lens offers the benefits of both toric and GP lenses. It has a silicone hydrogel or a hydrogel fitting zone that surrounds a rigid GP lens. This makes hybrid lenses soft and comfortable.

Considerations Before Getting Contact Lenses

• Fit: Make sure you go through contact lens fitting to ensure a comfortable fit. Keep in mind that this is crucial to the effectiveness of your lenses.

• Disposable contact lenses: Disposable contacts come in a variety of designs. They’re also available for monthly, biweekly or daily replacement.

• Price: A toric lens fitting may be more expensive than a regular contact lens fitting. And since it has a complex design, the cost of replacing this type of lens is also usually higher than regular contacts. Meanwhile, GP lenses and fittings cost more than soft lenses, and hybrid contacts cost as much as GP lenses. Nevertheless, GP and hybrid lenses don’t need to be replaced as often as soft contact lenses.

You can always count on Vienna Eyecare Center for the best eye care consultations and quality eyewear. Schedule your appointment by calling (703) 938-7633 or filling out our contact form.