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Astigmatism Doesn’t Rule Out Contact Lenses

Have you considered contact lenses as an option to correct astigmatism? The cornea of a normally sighted person is round, but in the case of someone with astigmatism, it's more oval-shaped, almost like a football. This seemingly minor feature actually alters how light enters the eye, and results in blurred vision.

Contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism, which are called toric contact lenses, are made from exactly the same material as regular lenses. The main difference between these and regular contact lenses is the design. Normal lenses have one power, but toric lenses have two: one for myopia or hyperopia and one for astigmatism. They feature curvatures at different angles. Because of their multiple powers, toric lenses must stay in place on your eye. This is different from regular lenses, which can shift slightly without affecting your sight. A great feature of astigmatism-correcting lenses is the fact that they're weighted at the bottom, which helps them stay in place when you blink.

There are a number of scheduling options for toric contact lens users, including soft disposable contact lenses, daily disposable lenses, and frequent replacement lenses. Toric lenses are also available as color contact lenses, and as multifocal lenses. Hard contact lenses, also called rigid gas permeable lenses, are made from a material that gives them a stronger shape which allows them to stay put when you blink, but they aren't always as comfortable as soft lenses. Rest assured, there's a contact lens which is just right for you.

Fittings for toric lenses can often take up more time than the regular lens fittings you might be used to, due to the relative complexity of the lens. But it's worth it. With advances in eyewear technology, those with astigmatism have lots of life-improving options to choose from.

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