Key Takeaways
- Astigmatism happens when your cornea has a football-like shape, which blurs your vision at different distances.
- Toric, rigid gas-permeable, scleral, and hybrid lenses are designed to correct astigmatism.
- Regular contacts can rotate in your eye and leave your vision shifting in and out of focus.
- A contact lens fitting measures your eye and matches you with lenses that feel comfortable.
You Can Wear Contacts with Astigmatism
Maybe a recent visit to Calgary Family Eye Doctors found that you have astigmatism, and now you’re wondering if contacts are still an option. It’s a fair question, as standard lenses don’t always sit well on astigmatic eyes.
You can wear contacts with astigmatism as long as you choose a lens designed to match the shape of your eye. Our team can walk you through the options that fit your prescription, often starting with a routine eye exam.
What Astigmatism Is and How It Affects Your Vision
A cornea with no astigmatism curves like a basketball, round and even. With astigmatism, your cornea curves more like a football, longer in one direction than the other.
That uneven shape scatters light as it enters your eye instead of focusing it on one clear point. The result is blurred at both near and far distances. Astigmatism often shows up alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness, so you may notice more than one vision change at once.
Signs You May Have Astigmatism
The clues can be easy to brush off until they pile up during a long work day. Common signs of astigmatism include:
- Blurry or wavy vision at most distances
- Eye strain, headaches, or frequent squinting
- Trouble seeing clearly at night (for instance, seeing halos around headlights)
Contact Lens Types That Correct Astigmatism
The right contact lenses can sharpen your vision. Your optometrist will recommend an option based on factors like how much astigmatism you have.
Soft Toric Lenses
Soft toric lenses are a popular pick because they’re flexible and comfortable from the start. A weighted design keeps them aligned on your eye so your vision stays clear. These lenses suit mild to moderate astigmatism.
Rigid Gas-Permeable and Scleral Lenses
Firmer lenses hold their shape against the cornea, which can provide crisp vision when your prescription is more complex. Scleral lenses are larger and vault over the cornea, resting on the white of your eye. That gentle fit can feel comfortable for irregular corneas.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses blend two materials. A firm centre gives you clear optics, while a soft outer ring adds the comfort you’d expect from a softer lens.
What Happens If You Wear Regular Contacts
Standard round lenses aren’t built to stay in one position on a football-shaped eye. Every time you blink, they can shift. This means that your lenses aren’t correcting your vision accurately. While your eyes can sometimes adjust, this causes them to overwork, often leaving you with headaches and tired eyes.
How to Choose Between Contacts and Glasses
Many people use both contacts and glasses. The choice often comes down to your routine, the type of lenses you prefer, and how your eyes feel on a given day.
Reasons to Pick Contacts
- A wide, natural field of view with no frames in the way
- No fogging when you walk indoors or rain spots in a storm
- Freedom to move during sports and active days
When Glasses Make Sense
- No daily routine to insert or remove lenses
- An easier choice during allergy season
- A welcome break when your eyes feel tired
What to Expect at a Contact Lens Fitting
A contact lens fitting helps match your eye to the right lens. Here’s what to expect:
- The team measures the curve and size of your cornea.
- You try a diagnostic pair in the office to check the fit.
- A follow-up visit reviews how the lenses fit and feel over time.
Once you have your lenses, a few simple wear habits can help keep your eyes comfortable.
Tips to Adjust to New Lenses
- Follow the wearing schedule closely, so your eyes adapt at a steady pace.
- Give yourself a few days, since comfort tends to improve with practice.
- Reach out to your team with any questions you may have.
Find Contact Lenses That Meet Your Needs
Astigmatism doesn’t have to keep you from wearing contacts. With the right fit, you can read, drive, and play with clear, steady vision. Book a contact lens fitting with Calgary Family Eye Doctors today and find lenses that meet your vision needs.
