Contact lenses for astigmatism : solutions for people suffering from this vision problem
Although astigmatism is the most common vision problem, most people do not know what it is. Astigmatism may be accompanied by myopia or hyperopia.Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea (called corneal astigmatism) and / or the crystalline lens. Rather than the surface of the crystalline lens or cornea is perfectly spherical, it has an oval shape like a rugby ball. In general these two types of astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery of the eye.
Contact lenses for astigmatism are the result of a very thorough scientific research and technical development from the lens manufacturers.
The research and development efforts in this area are at the core of the strategies of the largest optical companies for many years.
These investments resulted in a very innovative technology, toric lenses, which is now very satisfactory to all people with astigmatism.
Contact lenses for astigmatism : toric
Contacts for folks with astigmatism are called toric. They are "toric" because they conform to the shape of the eye, which itself is toric.
The torus is a geometric shape. We find this form in common objects such as an inner tube of tyre or an inflated rubber ring.
If you look from the front curvature of the surface of an inner tube it is possible to imagine the form of a toric lens.
The first toric lenses were not very comfortable for wearers and it was common for them to forsake the contact. The latest generation of toric lenses combine several layers of material of different forms thus are very thin and light.
As a result contact lens wearers are very satisfied with their equipment in almost all cases.
These manufacturing techniques are now associated with brand new materials that allow the eye to enjoy almost perfect oxygenation and hydration. Today almost all the major lens manufacturers offer their latest lens corrections in toric shapes.
Toric lenses are also available in daily use, contact lens wearers have to change them everyday ensuring high security and perfect hygiene.
Toric lenses are available in several versions: disposable, frequent replacement, multifocal, and even colored.
Virtually all forms of astigmatism can be treated today by the use of computer-based technology that holds the lens and produces customized contacts, depending on the specific problems of each.
Therefore, contact lens wearers get vision correction and do not suffer any discomfort.
Toric contact lenses are available in flexible and rigid form
A minority of people prefer hard lenses to soft lenses especially in cases of astigmatism because they offer a clearer picture. Indeed, hard lenses hold their shape better on the cornea than soft lenses.
This difference in sharpness is rarely noticeable, but if you are in this case you will appreciate the hard contact lenses.
Most toric lenses are soft, they come in daily or frequent replacement, and disposable. They are also available in colored lenses. Soft lenses are the most common, as very adaptable, affordable, and easy to use for most people.
Contact lenses for astigmatism : How does it work?
The astigmatic eye is not perfectly spherical, it distorts the edges of objects. People suffering from do not see the same way in all directions, which can lead to the fact that they see some letters better than others, or that they read better the horizontal lines than the vertical.
Toric lenses compensate for the curvature of the cornea according to the source of image distortion. The thickness of contact lenses varies along because the power of correction varies along the axis. The lenses are the best way of correction of the visual problem.
The adjustment of a toric lens takes more time to your ophthalmologist and requires more expertise than conventional lenses. Therefore you can expect that the cost of implementation will be higher.
Besides toic lenses also cost more than conventional spherical lenses.
Contact lenses for astigmatism : for a slight correction
If you have a little correction, between zero and 1.00 diopter (either 1.00 or -1.00), you may be able to wear contact lenses rigid spherical GP or even soft spherical lenses.
However, soft lenses do not correct strong astigmatism, greater than 2.5 diopters.
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