For years, many people with astigmatism were told contact lenses just would not work for them. That is no longer true. Today there are comfortable, clear contact lens options designed specifically for astigmatism, and most people who want to wear contacts can find one that fits their eyes and lifestyle. At Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear, we fit contact lenses for astigmatism every day. Here is what you should know before your next contact lens exam in Fort Lauderdale.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a very common refractive error, like nearsightedness and farsightedness. In an eye with astigmatism, the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball. Because the curve is steeper in one direction than the other, light does not focus to a single point. The result can be blurry or stretched-looking vision at any distance.
Common signs of astigmatism include:
- Blurry or slightly distorted vision, up close and far away
- Squinting to see clearly
- Eye strain or headaches, especially after reading or screen work
- Glare, halos or streaks around lights, which can make night driving harder
Astigmatism is not a disease, and having it does not mean your eyes are unhealthy. It simply means your eyes need a correction that accounts for that uneven curve.
Why Regular Contact Lenses May Not Be Enough
Standard spherical soft contact lenses correct nearsightedness or farsightedness evenly in every direction. They do not correct the uneven focus caused by astigmatism. People with mild astigmatism sometimes see well enough in a regular lens, but many notice vision that is never quite sharp, or that fluctuates during the day. A lens designed for astigmatism can make a noticeable difference in clarity and comfort.
Contact Lens Options for Astigmatism
Soft Toric Contact Lenses
Toric lenses are soft contact lenses with different powers in different directions to match the shape of an eye with astigmatism. They are built to stay in the correct position when you blink, so your vision stays steady. Toric lenses come in daily disposable and longer replacement schedules, and many are made from breathable silicone hydrogel materials. For most people with mild to moderate astigmatism, soft torics are the first option we consider.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Rigid gas permeable lenses are firm, oxygen-permeable lenses that hold their shape on the eye. Because they create a smooth, even surface over the cornea, they can provide very crisp vision for many types of astigmatism. They usually take a little longer to get used to than soft lenses, but many wearers find them comfortable once they adapt.
Hybrid and Scleral Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center for sharp vision with a soft outer skirt for comfort. Scleral lenses are larger rigid lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye. These specialty lenses are often used for higher or irregular astigmatism, including astigmatism related to corneal conditions such as keratoconus, and for people who have not done well with other lenses.
Multifocal Options for Astigmatism
If you have astigmatism and also need help seeing up close after about age 40, there are contact lens designs that address both. Your eye doctor can tell you whether a multifocal toric lens or another approach makes sense for your prescription.
Why a Proper Contact Lens Fitting Matters
A glasses prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription. Contact lenses sit directly on your eye, so the fit, curve, diameter and material all affect your comfort, your vision and the health of your eyes. This is especially true for astigmatism, because the lens must sit and rotate correctly to keep your vision clear.
During a contact lens exam and fitting, we measure the shape of your corneas, check your eye health and tear film, and may have you try lenses so we can see how they settle and how well you see. Follow-up visits help us fine-tune the fit if needed. Learn more about the lenses we fit on our contact lenses page.
Tips for Comfortable Wear in Fort Lauderdale
- Follow your replacement schedule: replace lenses as prescribed, whether that is daily, every two weeks or monthly.
- Keep water away from your lenses: do not swim, shower or rinse lenses with tap water while wearing them, since water can carry organisms that cause serious eye infections. That matters in a beach and pool city like Fort Lauderdale.
- Watch for dryness: air conditioning and long screen sessions can dry out your eyes. If your lenses feel uncomfortable by the end of the day, let us know. Our dry eye treatments can help.
- Keep a backup pair of glasses: everyone who wears contacts should have up-to-date glasses for days when the eyes need a break. We offer a wide selection of eyeglasses, including lenses with Crizal anti-reflective coating, with fast turnaround from our local lab.
- Protect your eyes outdoors: wear UV-blocking sunglasses over your contacts in the Florida sun.
If you ever have eye pain, sudden redness, light sensitivity or a sudden change in vision while wearing contacts, remove your lenses and contact an eye doctor right away. For a true eye emergency, seek urgent or emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Most people with astigmatism can wear contact lenses. Soft toric lenses work for many people, and rigid, hybrid and scleral lenses are options for higher or irregular astigmatism.
Are toric lenses uncomfortable?
Modern soft toric lenses are designed to be comfortable and are made from many of the same materials as regular soft lenses. A good fit is the key to comfort, which is why a contact lens fitting matters.
Do daily disposable contacts come in astigmatism versions?
Yes, daily disposable toric lenses are available. Your eye doctor can help you decide whether daily or longer replacement lenses fit your prescription and routine best.
Can I use my glasses prescription to buy contacts?
No. A contact lens prescription includes measurements, such as the lens curve, diameter and brand, that a glasses prescription does not. You need a contact lens exam and fitting to get one.
Schedule a Contact Lens Exam in Fort Lauderdale
If you have astigmatism and want to see clearly without glasses, our team at Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear can help you find the right lens. Call or Text 954-763-2842, or request an appointment online.