Everything You Need To Know About Toric Lenses for Astigmatism

For those who people with astigmatism, you might be familiar with toric lenses. If you are not familiar with it, this is the article for you.

We will discuss everything you need to know about toric lenses for astigmatism.

WHAT ARE TORIC LENSES FOR?

Toric lenses are geometrically shaped lenses that works to correct the specific formation of the cornea that leads to astigmatism.

These are lenses with different optical power and focal length in two orientations perpendicular to each other.

The regular contact lenses are traditionally shaped spherically. But with the toric lens, one of the lens surfaces is shaped like a “cap” from a torus shape, and the other one is usually spherical.

The shape helps the lenses bend and adjust to the eye’s demands to provide more accurate visual correction.

However, there are cases when the toric lenses might shift position in the early days after surgery, reducing the desired effect.

Even when something like this can happen, toric lens implant is still the most effective way to correct astigmatism especially when you are going to undergo cataract surgery.

ADVANTAGE OF TORIC LENSES FOR ASTIGMATISM

When you have astigmatism, the best way to get better vision is through toric contact lenses. Choosing toric contact lenses over regular soft contact lenses has its advantage.

According to Market Research Globe, toric lenses are effective for treating astigmatism rather than regular contact lenses because of the following reasons:

1. These kind of lenses have a special feature that makes it possible for the lens to rotate in a certain angle to meet with the required angle of the eye to catch a crisp and clear vision; and
2. It corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness because it is comprised of different powers in different meridians of the lens.

But sometimes, you can get uncomfortable while wearing these lenses. That is the reason why it is recommended to fit and consult your eye doctor for the best advice.

WHAT ABOUT ASTIGMATISM?

Astigmatism is one of the most common eye problems that we usually miss out at first. But in hindsight, this is actually a refractive error that affects how the eyes focus light on the retina.

It occurs when the cornea of the person is bent beyond normal, like football instead of a basketball – for comparison.

When this happens, some of the parts of the cornea are steeper or more rounded than others instead of having the same degree of roundness in all the areas.

As a result, the images that your eyes project becomes blurry or stretched out.  

Additionally, you have astigmatism if your eyes fail to focus the light evenly on the retina because of an imperfection in the curvature of the eye.

When this happens, people with astigmatism experiences distorted images, blurry vision at all distances.

MORE ABOUT THE CAUSES & SYMPTOMS OF ASTIGMATISM

According to experts, it is possible to have astigmatism and not know about it sooner. Oftentimes, you can only find out about it after undergoing a comprehensive eye exam.

That is one of the reasons why it is very essential to undergo an annual eye exam. For children, it may be harder to notice symptoms of astigmatism unless there is a proper results from a professional eye exam.

For adults, some may experience astigmatism without any symptoms. If you notice any changes in your vision, then you should undergo proper eye examination immediately.

Evident symptoms of astigmatism that one may experience includes the following:

• Headache and dizziness
• Eyestrain
• Squinting
• Distorted or blurred vision at all distances
• Difficulty driving at night

Frequently Asked Questions about Astigmatism

• Who are at risk of astigmatism?

Astigmatism can affect anyone at any age. Some young people with slight astigmatism might find have time to notice the problem in their vision. It is very important to undergo eye examinations to know if there are changes in the vision.

Until now, there is no concrete scientific basis as to how and why astigmatism develops. You can be born with it or you could develop it while growing up.

While most people believe that too much exposure to mobile devices can astigmatism, there hasn’t been any scientific research that can prove this claim.

All we know is that spending too much time using devices can definitely cause eye strain.

• How common is astigmatism?

According to a medical study, nearly 80% of the visual impairment in persons 12 years and older in the United States are caused by uncorrected refractive error.

Statiscally, astigmatism among Americans rounds up to about 1 in every 3 people and is combination with near- or farsightedness.

• What are the different types of astigmatism?

Most of the patients only experiences three out of five types of astigmatism. The most common types are 1) myopic – nearsighted, 2) hyperopic – farsighted, and 3) mixed – combination of near and farsighted.

• How do you know what type of astigmatism you have?

You need to submit yourself for a thorough eye examination in order to know how mild or severe your astigmatism is.

The procedure called retinoscopy is one way to test your vision. This procedure involves directing light into the eye using a series of lenses and measuring how the retina receives the light.

• What is the most effective treatment for astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism, there are several ways that your vision can be treated. One way is through a laser refractive surgery, a medical procedure that can restore the vision without the need for corrective lenses and eyeglasses.

If you don’t want to undergo a surgery, the most common method is to use corrective lenses and toric contact lenses. Make sure to consult your eye doctor as to get a prescription on what type of lenses fits for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Signs and symptoms of astigmatism can get better or worse anytime. Thus, it is important to consult your eye doctor frequently especially if you experience some unusual issues and problems in your vision.

If you already have astigmatism and is looking for some comfortable toric lenses, you can check out this link. After consulting your eye doctor, you can select for the appropriate toric lenses for you.

REFERENCES:

https://www.mathcurve.com/surfaces.gb/tore/tore.shtml

https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics

http://www.marketresearchglobe.com/blog-details/advantages-of-using-toric-contact-lenses-for-astigmatism

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/why-didn-t-my-toric-lens-fully-correct-my-astigmat