Hard to Fit Contacts for Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects the shape of your cornea, the clear, curved front part of your eye. Instead of having a perfectly spherical shape, the cornea of someone with astigmatism is more oblong or football-shaped. This irregular curvature can cause light to bend unevenly as it enters the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.

Astigmatism can occur alongside other refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), further complicating your vision challenges. The degree of astigmatism can range from mild to severe, and it's important to work closely with your eye care provider to determine the best treatment options for your unique needs.

Common Symptoms of Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, you may experience a variety of frustrating visual symptoms, including:
 

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low light conditions

• Eyestrain, headaches, or fatigue after prolonged visual tasks

• Sensitivity to glare or bright lights

• The appearance of halos or starbursts around lights

These symptoms can significantly impact your daily activities, from driving and reading to using digital devices and participating in sports or hobbies. Seeking proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for managing astigmatism and improving your overall quality of life.

What Are Hard to Fit Contact Lenses?

Traditional contact lenses are designed to fit the average, relatively symmetrical corneal shape. However, for individuals with more complex vision issues like astigmatism, finding the right contact lens can be a real challenge. This is where "hard to fit" contact lenses come into play.

Hard to fit contact lenses are specialized optical devices designed to address the unique needs of people with astigmatism, irregular corneal shapes, or other vision complications that make standard contacts ineffective. These lenses are typically more complex in their design and require a more involved fitting process to ensure optimal comfort and visual clarity. Some common types of hard to fit contact lenses include:
 

• Toric Lenses: Toric lenses have a unique, asymmetrical shape that helps correct astigmatism by counteracting the irregular curvature of the cornea. They are available in both soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) varieties.

• Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses are large-diameter contacts that vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). This design helps to correct a wide range of vision issues, including astigmatism, irregular corneal shapes, and dry eye.

• Hybrid Lenses: Hybrid lenses combine the best features of soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses, offering the comfort of a soft lens with the visual clarity and stability of an RGP lens.

• Multifocal Lenses: For individuals with astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related difficulty with near vision), multifocal hard to fit contact lenses can provide clear vision at all distances.

Fitting these specialized lenses often requires additional expertise and a more involved process than standard contact lens fittings. Your optometrist will work closely with you to determine the best hard to fit contact lens option for your unique vision needs.

The Benefits of Using Hard to Fit Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Choosing hard to fit contact lenses to correct your astigmatism can provide a range of benefits that can significantly improve your overall visual experience and quality of life. Hard to fit contacts, such as toric or scleral lenses, are specifically designed to counteract the irregular corneal shape associated with astigmatism. This allows them to provide much clearer, sharper, and more focused vision compared to standard contact lenses or eyeglasses.
 

Many hard to fit contact lenses are made from highly breathable, oxygen-permeable materials that help maintain the health of your eyes. This can lead to increased comfort, especially during extended wear. The unique designs of hard to fit lenses, such as the scleral lens's large diameter, help them stay centered on the eye and maintain their position, even during activities like sports or physical exercise.
 

By providing clearer, more comfortable vision, hard to fit contact lenses can significantly enhance your ability to perform daily tasks, participate in hobbies and activities, and enjoy an improved overall quality of life.
 

Improving Vision and Quality of Life with Hard to Fit Contact Lenses

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can have a significant impact on your daily life, from blurred vision and eyestrain to difficulty with activities like driving and reading. However, with the help of hard to fit contact lenses, you can overcome the challenges of astigmatism and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.
 

If you're struggling with astigmatism and are interested in exploring hard to fit contact lenses, contact Eyecare Associates Optometric Group. Visit our office in Azusa, California, or call (626) 804-3266 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and consultation to find the perfect solution for your unique vision needs.