3 Types of Contact Lenses For Astigmatism

Do you have astigmatism? Here is a guide on which contact lenses work best for patients who have this eye condition and how our Calgary optometrists can help ensure your vision remains clear and comfortable.

---

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by irregularities in the shape of a person’s cornea. With this condition, your eye fails to focus the light equally on the retina leading to blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism can be present at birth or it can develop gradually in life.

Astigmatism may cause:

• Blurred/distorted vision at all distances
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Squinting
• General eye irritation

 

Comprehensive Astigmatism Treatment in Calgary

At Blink Eyewear, our qualified Calgary optometrists are able to provide you with the best treatment options for astigmatism which may include contact lenses, eyeglasses, or even surgery. Whatever your needs, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure your vision remains clear, comfortable, and protected.

Want to know more?

ASTIGMATISM TREATMENT IN CALGARY

 

3 Types of Contact Lenses For Astigmatism: Which is Best For You?

For people with astigmatism, there are a range of contact lenses available to help correct their vision. While it’s always best to have a contact lens fitting with your optometrist before deciding on which type is best for you, here are some of your options:

1. Toric Contact Lenses

Toric contact lenses are soft lenses developed for patients with astigmatism. While they look similar to soft contacts, they have different powers at different meridians. This allows them to rotate to the correct orientation for your specific eyes.

Quick Facts About Toric Contact Lenses

• They’re made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel and are very permeable.
• They allow oxygen to pass easily through them, letting your eyes breathe.
• They’re comfortable to wear, even for several hours.

Keep in mind: These lenses may require a few visits to the eye doctor to find the right strength and fit. The cost is also on the higher side and replacement costs can be more than regular soft contact lenses.

TORIC CONTACT LENSES FOR ASTIGMATISM

 

2. Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Also called RGP lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses contain some silicone, which makes them more flexible than hard lenses. They also allow more oxygen to pass through, giving greater comfort.

Quick Facts About RGPs

• They’re more durable than soft contact lenses, making their long term costs lower
• They aren’t as flexible as traditional soft contact lenses, but they are more advanced than the traditional hard lenses.
• If your case of astigmatism isn’t too bad, your optometrist will often recommend RGPS, saving toric lenses for more severe cases.

Keep in mind: Many patients find that they have better acuity with RGP lenses, but some find them more uncomfortable to wear than soft lenses. Additional custom contact lens fittings may be needed to solve this issue.

RGP CONTACT LENSES IN CALGARY

 

3. Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the best of both worlds: the inner area is made of the same material as RGPs while the outer area is a soft lens, which can either be hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. This means that they provide the sharp vision of RGPs while maintaining the comfort level of soft contact lenses.

 

Call Today

To find out more about how our Calgary optometrists can help you find the best contact lenses to suit your specific ocular needs, visit one of our three branches, Crowfoot (67 Crowfoot Terrace NW, T3G 4J8), West Springs (1009 873 85 St SW, T3H 0J5) or Creekside (12192 Symons Valley Rd NW, T3P 0A3).

Alternatively, you can contact our team at our Crowfoot Branch (403-547-5417), West Springs (403-242-0999) or Creekside (403-516-2292).