Astigmatism is a common and often misunderstood condition that affects your vision. When you have astigmatism, the cornea or the lens of your eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, it resembles the shape of a football. This irregularity causes light to refract improperly, which means it does not focus light evenly on the retina. As a result, your vision becomes blurred or distorted at any distance.
 

Common Symptoms of Astigmatism

One of the primary symptoms is blurred or distorted vision. You might notice that lines which should be straight appear wavy or bent. This can be particularly evident when looking at text on a page or a screen, where the letters may seem to be tilting or merging together. It's not uncommon for people with astigmatism to squint frequently in an attempt to see more clearly.
 

Another symptom you may encounter is eyestrain or discomfort, especially after prolonged periods of focusing on a task, such as reading or working at a computer. This may also be accompanied by headaches. These symptoms arise because your eyes are working harder than they should to focus. This extra effort can lead to fatigue and discomfort.
 

Lastly, you may experience difficulty with night vision. Individuals with astigmatism often report that they see halos around lights or have increased glare, which can be particularly challenging when driving at night. If you're noticing these symptoms, it's a good idea to schedule an eye examination to determine if astigmatism is the cause.
 

Toric Contact Lenses and How they Correct Astigmatism

Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism. Unlike standard spherical lenses that have the same power throughout, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens in your eye. This design allows them to focus light more precisely onto the retina, providing clearer vision.
 

These lenses are constructed to remain stable on your eye. They typically have a thicker zone at the bottom or utilize different designs to ensure that they orient correctly on your eye with each blink. Stability is key because the corrective power needs to stay aligned with the correct meridians of your eye to provide sharp vision.
 

Furthermore, toric lenses come in various types, including soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) materials. Soft toric lenses are popular because they are comfortable and easy to adapt to. RGP lenses are less common but can offer sharper vision for some users. Your eye care professional will help you determine which type of toric lens is best suited for your unique eyes.
 

Benefits of Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

One of the most significant benefits of toric contact lenses is the freedom they offer. If you've felt restricted by glasses, contact lenses can provide a liberating alternative. There's no frame to obstruct your vision, which can be especially beneficial for sports and physical activities. Plus, contacts do not fog up in cold weather or get splattered by the rain.
 

Another advantage is the potential for better visual acuity. Because toric lenses correct astigmatism directly where it occurs, they can provide clearer vision than glasses in some cases. This is because glasses sit a small distance away from your eyes, which can cause slight discrepancies in where the light is focused, especially for higher levels of astigmatism.
 

Farewell to Blurry Vision

If you've been struggling with the symptoms of astigmatism, there's a clear path to better vision. Toric contact lenses provide a sophisticated solution to correct the refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. With the benefits of improved visual acuity, comfort, and the freedom from glasses, toric lenses can enhance your quality of life.
 

For more information on toric contact lenses for astigmatism, or to determine if these contacts are the right solution for your visual needs, schedule an eye exam with our professionals at Eyes of Starwood in our Frisco, Texas, office. Call (972) 544-4300 to book an appointment today.