Contact Lenses for Astigmatism at Family Vision Clinic

Astigmatism is a refractive vision error that involves an imperfect curvature of the eye and causes blurry vision at multiple distances. Our optometry team at Family Vision Clinic in Farmington, MN, has the equipment and experience to diagnose and correct astigmatism in our patient’s eyes. What was once only correctable by wearing eyeglasses can now be alleviated with specially designed contact lenses. Continue reading to learn about astigmatism and how our optometrist can correct your vision with contact lenses.

What Is Astigmatism?

The cornea is a round, clear dome covering the pupil and eye's iris. Normal corneas have equal and smooth curves around the perimeter, allowing light to focus correctly at the back of the eye. Astigmatism occurs when you have an irregularly shaped eye, usually in the shape of an egg or football, that causes light to focus incorrectly on the retina. Whether your astigmatism is corneal or lenticular, far and near objects will appear distorted and blurry. Astigmatism can impact your daily routine, cause learning difficulties, and complicate athletic activities. People with astigmatism can also experience poor night vision, eye strain, frequent headaches, and require squinting to see better.

How Does an Optometrist Correct Astigmatism?

While you can treat most forms of astigmatism with eyeglasses, traditional soft contact lenses are not an effective way to treat this condition. Your optometrist will not prescribe standard contacts to correct astigmatism since these lenses cannot fit on irregularly shaped eyes. Fortunately, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, or tonic lenses, can fit astigmatic eyes comfortably. These lenses have a shape designed to fit irregular corneas, making them ideal for correcting astigmatism. Our optometrist can evaluate your eyes and the severity of your condition to determine if contact lenses are a viable option for correcting your vision.

What Are Some Benefits of Toric Contact Lenses?

Toric contact lenses are typically the best choice for people who prefer wearing contacts over eyeglasses to treat their astigmatism. The unique shape of toric lenses results in different focusing powers designed for treating this condition, and they can help with both corneal and lenticular astigmatism. These lenses have a thicker zone that prevents them from rotating while wearing them. You can rely on consistently clear visual perception due to the lenses remaining in place.

Visit Family Vision Clinic in Farmington, MN, to Correct Your Astigmatism Today

Contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism provide a convenient and comfortable way to improve your visual clarity, so contact Family Vision Clinic in Farmington, MN, to get the lenses necessary to correct your vision today. Our optometry team can provide several eye care services to ensure your eye and vision health remains strong, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (651) 463-2020.