Astigmatism is a common problem. In fact, one out of every three people has some degree of astigmatism. At Regal Eye Care, in Orangeville, ON, we offer contact lenses for astigmatism. We proudly serve the residents of Orangeville, East Garafraxa, Mono, Caledon, and Bolton.
What Is Astigmatism
First, let's talk about corneas. Your cornea is a clear lens that covers your pupil and iris. A normal cornea is smooth and regular.
When you have astigmatism, your cornea will have an irregular shape or curve. This type is known as corneal astigmatism.
Astigmatism can also happen in the lens of your eye. The lens is behind the cornea. If your lens is irregular, you have lenticular astigmatism.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurry vision. This will happen whether you are near the object or far away. You may have a hard time seeing details or reading.
Other signs of astigmatism include headaches, squinting, and eye strain. You may also have poor night vision.
Astigmatism Diagnosis
You may notice the symptoms of astigmatism, or you may be unaware you have it. The only way to know for sure is with an eye exam. Your eye doctor will perform the exam, and determine if you have astigmatism in one or both eyes.
Wearing Contacts for Astigmatism
If you have astigmatism, you can wear contacts. However, you will need lenses designed for astigmatism. Standard soft contact lenses will not work for astigmatism because they won't retain their shape when worn.
However, rigid gas permeable lenses and toric lenses are a great choice for astigmatism treatment.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid gas permeable lenses, also known as RGP contacts, are a great way to correct mild astigmatism.
These are a type of hard contact lens, so they can take a little getting used to. You'll wear them during the day and take them out at night. A pair of RGP contacts can last for a few years.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are designed specifically for people with astigmatism. They are the best contacts for astigmatism, particularly if yours is moderate to severe.
This type can treat both lenticular and corneal astigmatism. They can also treat nearsightedness or farsightedness, along with astigmatism.
These lenses are thicker in some areas than others. They are designed to be worn in a specific position and have a vertical and horizontal axis. This ensures you get the best vision when wearing them.
When your optometrist writes the prescription, they will include different measurements for different areas of the lens.
Contact Lenses for Astigmatism at Regal Eye Care
If you need contact lenses for astigmatism in Orangeville, ON, contact Regal Eye Care at 519-307-7771. Our optician and optometrist are here to meet your eye care needs, including comprehensive eye exams and corrective lenses.
