Can You Wear Contacts with Astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism but don’t like wearing prescription glasses, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way! Fortunately, there’s another option that offers both convenience and comfort: contact lenses. 

Contact lenses are a practical choice that helps correct vision and offers several lifestyle benefits. Whether you’re tired of glasses fogging up or simply prefer a glasses-free look, contact lenses might be the solution you’re looking for.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism involves a deformation in the eye’s cornea or lens, resulting in an irregular shape rather than a perfectly curved sphere. This irregularity disrupts the light entering the eye, causing blurred or distorted vision. Symptoms can range from mild eyestrain and headaches to major impairment, including difficulties with night vision.

Correcting Astigmatism

Astigmatism can often be corrected using glasses and contact lenses. Glasses are a common solution, as they correct the path of light entering the eyes, compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens.

Can You Wear Contacts with Astigmatism?

The simple answer to this common question is, yes, people with astigmatism can wear contact lenses. Those with this condition may find contacts to be a particularly helpful solution for several reasons:

• Vision Quality: Contact lenses can provide superior vision clarity compared to glasses. They move with your eyes to give you a wider field of vision with less distortion.

• Lifestyle Adaptability: Unlike glasses, contact lenses won’t fog up in cold weather or get streaked with rain. They’re also an excellent choice for sports and other physical activities.

• Cosmetic Preferences: Some people prefer how they look without glasses and enjoy the freedom of using contact lenses.

Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

There are different types of contact lenses for people with astigmatism: soft toric lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, and scleral contacts. They have different uses in different orientations, compensating for the uneven curve of the cornea or lens.

Soft Toric Lenses

These lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism. Their distinct feature lies in their shape – unlike regular lenses, toric lenses have a particular “geometry” that allows them to have different powers in different meridians of the lens, effectively compensating for the eye’s irregular shape. Their benefits include:

• Comfort: They are known for their comfort and are typically easy to adapt.

• Availability: Soft toric lenses are available in various formats, including daily disposable forms, adding to their convenience.

Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP, or “hard” lenses, maintain their shape when you blink, providing clearer vision than soft lenses. They are generally prescribed for individuals with a high degree of astigmatism or those who have had trouble with soft lenses.

Hybrid and Scleral Contacts

Hybrid Contacts attempt to offer the best of both worlds: a rigid center (for sharp vision) and a soft skirt (for comfort). They are ideal for those who need the clarity of RGPs but want the comfort of soft lenses.

Scleral Contacts, however, are larger and designed to rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). They are often recommended for severe astigmatism or other corneal irregularities and can provide excellent comfort and vision correction.

Wearing Contact Lenses with Astigmatism

Having astigmatism doesn’t exclude you from the benefits of wearing contact lenses. Those with astigmatism have a variety of options to enhance their visual experience and overall quality of life.

However, it’s important to remember that wearing contact lenses isn’t a permanent solution to astigmatism. Instead, they’re a tool that, when used correctly, can improve one’s day-to-day life. They won’t make astigmatism go away, but they can make living with it much more manageable. Consult with your optometrist today!