Contact Lenses for Astigmatism At Austin Vision Center

Astigmatism is a condition that makes people think their only vision-correction option is a pair of eyeglasses. However, that's not true anymore. If you have astigmatism, you actually can wear lenses as long as you find the right type. Austin Vision Center in Austin, Texas, offers gas-permeable, toric, and hybrid lenses that are perfect for use with the condition.

What Is Astigmatism?

For most people, light enters the eye at one focus point and lands on the retina. For people with astigmatism, the light enters the eye at more than one point, and then the light ends up in front of or behind the retina. This is because your cornea has an irregular shape. So you end up with vision that isn't quite clear. Of course, your astigmatism can be so mild that you don't really notice a problem. But if you do have issues, you need to wear corrective lenses. Note that this condition is independent of nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Can People With Astigmatism Wear Contacts?

Yes, you can wear contacts if you have astigmatism. Most people just need lenses that correct their vision that will stay on their cornea. People with astigmatism need lenses that correct vision at multiple points and that won't rotate around when the person blinks.

What Options Are Available?

You've got three options for contact lenses. The first is called a toric lens. This has those multiple focus points -- think of the different prescriptions in a bifocal lens, and you'll get a simplified picture of what toric lenses do -- arranged along meridians, which are radial divisions that optometrists use to arrange the different correction factors. Toric lenses also don't rotate, other than to move up and down when you blink.

Another type of lens is a gas-permeable (GP) lens. This is a rigid lens that does not have those toric-lens divisions. As it sits on the cornea, it stays the same shape (soft lenses, including toric lenses, conform to the surface of your cornea), which turns the lens into a de facto cornea with a regular shape. These can be less comfortable for some wearers.

You also have an option to get hybrid lenses that combine soft-lens and GP features. These aren't toric lenses. Instead, the center is like a GP lens, while the outer ring is like a traditional soft lens, which makes them more comfortable to use.

Contact Our Austin Vision Center Today!

Austin Vision Center in Austin, Texas, has all three types of lenses available. Call us at (512) 477-2282 to arrange an appointment for a fitting.