If you’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism, you’re not alone. Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Many people believe that having astigmatism rules out the option of wearing contact lenses, but that’s far from true.
Thanks to advancements in eye care technology, there are now specialised contact lenses designed specifically for astigmatism. In this guide, we’ll explore your options, what to expect when wearing contacts and other ways to treat astigmatism.
What Is Astigmatism and How Does It Affect Vision?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being round like a basketball, the surface is shaped more like a rugby ball. This irregular curvature causes light to bend unevenly as it enters the eye, preventing it from focusing properly on the retina.
As a result, people with astigmatism often experience:
- Blurred or fuzzy vision at all distances
- Eye strain, especially after reading or screen use
- Headaches
- Difficulty with night vision
Astigmatism can exist on its own or alongside myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness), adding further complexity to your prescription.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses with Astigmatism?
Yes, you can wear contact lenses if you have astigmatism. In fact, advancements in contact lens technology have made it easier than ever for people with this condition to enjoy clear, comfortable vision without relying solely on glasses.
Contact lenses for astigmatism are called toric lenses. These lenses are specially designed to accommodate the irregular shape of your cornea.
Unlike standard lenses, toric contacts feature different focusing powers across the lens surface and are weighted to rotate into the correct position on your eye. This design ensures consistent and stable vision correction throughout the day.
Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Your optometrist will help you choose a lens based on the severity of your astigmatism, the shape of your eye and your lifestyle. Here are the main types of contact lenses used for astigmatism:
Soft Toric Lenses
Soft toric lenses are the most commonly prescribed option. Made from flexible materials, they contour to the eye’s shape and are comfortable to wear. They’re usually replaced daily, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on the brand.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
These lenses are made from a firmer material that holds its shape on the eye. Because they don’t mould to the cornea like soft lenses, they can offer sharper vision for those with moderate to severe astigmatism. However, they may take longer to get used to.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid centre (for sharp vision) with a soft outer ring (for comfort). They’re a good option if you need the correction power of RGP lenses but want more comfort than they typically provide.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger and vault over the entire cornea, resting on the white part of the eye (the sclera). These are often prescribed for people with irregular astigmatism or those who struggle with other contact lens types.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Contacts for Astigmatism?
Adjustment periods can vary depending on the type of lenses you wear and your eye’s sensitivity. Most people adjust to soft toric lenses within a few days, while RGP or hybrid lenses may take up to a few weeks.
During the first few days, you may notice:
- Slight discomfort or a foreign body sensation
- Fluctuating vision, particularly if the lenses shift out of place
- Light sensitivity or dry eyes
Follow-up visits with your optometrist are important to ensure your lenses are fitting correctly and not rotating excessively. Your prescription may also need fine-tuning, especially during the initial fitting period.
Daily Care and Hygiene Tips
To maximise comfort and avoid infections, it’s essential to care for your lenses properly. This includes:
- Washing your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing lenses
- Cleaning reusable lenses with fresh solution (never tap water)
- Replacing your lens case every 1–3 months
- Avoiding contact with water while wearing lenses, including swimming or showering
- Removing lenses before bed, unless using extended wear lenses approved by your eye care provider
Poor hygiene and overwearing lenses can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, or more serious conditions like corneal ulcers.
Are There Long-Term Solutions to Astigmatism?
If you’re looking for a more permanent fix or find contact lenses uncomfortable, you may want to explore surgical options for astigmatism. These procedures aim to reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina without the need for glasses or contacts.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK is one of the most common and effective surgical procedures for correcting astigmatism. Using a laser, a flap is created on the cornea and the underlying tissue is reshaped. Most people experience dramatic improvements in vision within a few days.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a minimally invasive laser eye procedure that corrects astigmatism by removing a small disc of tissue through a tiny incision. It’s often recommended for people with dry eyes or thinner corneas who may not be suitable for LASIK.
Advanced Surface Laser Ablation (ASLA)
Also known as PRK, this method involves reshaping the surface of the cornea without creating a flap. Recovery time is longer, but it’s suitable for people with thinner or irregular corneas.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
This procedure involves placing a corrective lens inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. It’s an option for people who aren’t eligible for laser eye surgery and want a reversible alternative.
How To Book an Assessment
To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:
Call or message us: +612 9222 9188
Email us: reception@visionclinicsydney.com.au
Book online via our website
FAQs
Can you get contacts for astigmatism?
Yes, toric contact lenses are specifically designed for people with astigmatism. They offer clear vision and are available in both daily and monthly disposable formats.
How long does it take to get used to contacts for astigmatism?
Getting used to toric lenses can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Soft toric lenses tend to be more comfortable early on, while rigid gas-permeable or hybrid lenses might require a longer adjustment period.
Are contacts better than glasses for astigmatism?
Both glasses and contacts can effectively correct astigmatism, but each has its pros and cons. Glasses are easy to use and maintain, while toric contact lenses offer a wider field of vision and more freedom during physical activities.
Can you wear regular contacts if you have astigmatism?
Standard spherical lenses aren’t designed to correct astigmatism and usually won’t provide sharp vision if you have this condition. While they may seem to work in mild cases, you’re likely to notice blurriness or shifting clarity throughout the day. Toric contact lenses are made specifically to account for astigmatism’s uneven focus, offering much better visual stability.
Do I need surgery if I have astigmatism?
Surgery is not always necessary for astigmatism, especially when it’s mild to moderate. Glasses or toric contact lenses are usually enough to manage the condition effectively. However, if you want a long-term or permanent solution, several types of laser eye surgery can reshape the cornea and correct astigmatism.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
