Can I Wear Normal Contacts With Astigmatism?
The short answer is: no, you generally can't wear standard spherical contact lenses if you have astigmatism. Understanding why requires a bit of knowledge about how astigmatism affects vision and how contact lenses correct it.
Astigmatism is a refractive error where the cornea (the front surface of your eye) isn't perfectly round. Instead, it's more oval-shaped, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. This results in blurry vision at all distances. Standard contact lenses, often called spherical lenses, correct only nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) by focusing light equally in all directions. They can't account for the uneven focusing caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
Trying to wear spherical contacts with astigmatism will likely lead to:
- Blurred vision: The main issue – the lenses won't adequately correct your vision.
- Eye strain: Your eyes will work harder to compensate for the blurry image, leading to fatigue and headaches.
- Discomfort: The lenses may not sit comfortably on your eye due to the irregular corneal surface.
What types of contact lenses are suitable for astigmatism?
Fortunately, there are contact lens options specifically designed to address astigmatism. These are called toric contact lenses. Toric lenses have a different curvature than spherical lenses; they are designed with varying power across their surface to compensate for the unevenness of the cornea. This ensures a sharper, clearer image.
What are the differences between spherical and toric contact lenses?
| Feature | Spherical Contact Lenses | Toric Contact Lenses |
|---|---|---|
| Cornea Shape | Corrects for round corneas | Corrects for oval (astigmatic) corneas |
| Power Distribution | Uniform power across the lens surface | Varied power across the lens surface |
| Astigmatism Correction | No | Yes |
| Suitable for | Myopia and hyperopia | Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism |
How do I know if I have astigmatism?
You can't self-diagnose astigmatism. A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is essential. They'll use various tests to determine the presence and degree of astigmatism, as well as your overall refractive error. This exam is crucial for obtaining a proper prescription for contact lenses or eyeglasses.
What if I wear spherical contacts and think I might have astigmatism?
If you are currently wearing spherical contact lenses and experiencing blurry vision, eye strain, or discomfort, stop wearing the lenses immediately and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Continuing to wear inappropriate lenses could potentially damage your eyes.
Are toric contact lenses more expensive than spherical lenses?
Generally, yes, toric contact lenses tend to be more expensive than spherical lenses. The manufacturing process is more complex, and the lenses themselves are more specialized.
Can I wear daily disposable toric contact lenses?
Yes, daily disposable toric contact lenses are available. These offer the convenience of discarding them each day, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing the risk of infection.
In conclusion, if you have astigmatism, you should not wear standard spherical contact lenses. Consult your eye care professional for a proper eye exam and to obtain a prescription for appropriate toric contact lenses. Your vision health is paramount, and using the correct corrective lenses is crucial for maintaining clear, comfortable vision.
