Recently, contact lenses have been used to correct visual function in astigmatism. Consider the types of pathology, how to wear contact lenses with astigmatism, what types are there, how to use and care for them.
What is astigmatism
Astigmatism is a visual impairment. A person with pathology sees all objects indistinctly, since they are not displayed properly on the retina. Translated from Greek, "astigmatism" is "lack of pinpoint focus".
Wearing lenses with astigmatism allows not only to focus on objects, but also to avoid unpleasant symptoms in the form of doubling objects, constant squinting, fatigue and severe headaches. Patients who do not correct the pathology see poorly in the evening and at night, and driving a car in this condition can lead to tragic consequences.
This eye pathology has characteristic symptoms in the form of a burning sensation in the eye area, clouding,redness of the eyeball. Along with this, vision is reduced. To clarify the diagnosis, the ophthalmologist not only conducts an external examination, but also examines the functionality of the eye using modern equipment. In the normal state, both the lens and the cornea are shaped like a sphere with a smooth and even surface. Any curvature is called astigmatism.
Types of astigmatism
Astigmatism can be congenital or acquired. The first option has a hereditary factor, and the pathology manifests itself already in the first year of life. The acquired form appears most often after an eye injury, regardless of age. The disease can manifest itself as a complication after surgery or in the presence of diabetes.
Can I wear lenses with astigmatism? Yes, but first it is worth determining the type of pathology, namely, which organ led to the modification of the image - the cornea or the lens. Depending on this, the disease can be divided into corneal and lens. The first pathology is more complex and requires not only vision correction using optical devices, but also laser intervention. Both varieties are more often congenital than acquired.
Astigmatism is rarely diagnosed alone, most often it comes in combination with other visual impairments. For example, with farsightedness (hypermetropia) and nearsightedness (myopia). There is also a mixed view, when the right eye has one pathology, and the left eye has another.
Contact lenses for astigmatism and myopia are selected depending on the degreevisual impairment.
Astigmatism also happens:
- Right and wrong. Correct astigmatism is most often inherited, and patients see vertical objects better, while incorrect astigmatism has an acquired character and appears as a result of eye trauma.
- Direct, reverse and oblique - the shape depends on the refractive power of light, the reverse is the least common, but the direct and oblique view can change with age.
- Physiological and pathological - a refractive difference of up to 0.5 diopters, which occurs in 85% of individuals. It is considered a physiological form of astigmatism and does not cause serious impairment of visual function, the indicators above indicate the presence of pathology.
- Age - natural aging of the organs of vision occurs gradually after 45 years, while after 50 the forms of pathology can change (often in this case, instead of lenses for astigmatism and myopia, the choice falls on glasses, solely because of the convenience of their use).
- Progressive - in the absence or incorrectly selected correction of the visual function of the disease, visual impairment will only worsen.
- Induced - occurs as a complication after surgery on the eye and is acquired in nature.
Also, astigmatism can have different degrees. If the difference in refraction is up to 3 diopters, experts speak of the first degree of pathology, up to six diopters - the second degree, more than 6 - the most difficult third degree, which cannot be corrected by therapeutic methods.
Why is it worthchoose lenses over glasses?
Previously, only glasses were used to correct visual function, since the lenses were quite rigid and caused considerable discomfort when worn. Now on the market there are many types of optical instruments that are made of soft materials, so they do not cause irritation to the eyes.
Can I wear regular lenses with astigmatism? Experts do not recommend doing this, as they are intended to correct for differences in refraction. In this case, they will be ineffective, although they can correct the clarity of the image for farsightedness and myopia.
When choosing glasses for astigmatism, it is worth remembering their shortcomings. They lie in the fact that they have a significant impact on the appearance of a person, not always decorating him, they are subject to any mechanical impact. Also, glasses can fog up, it is impossible to play some sports in them, and so on. Recently, an increasing number of people with visual impairment are choosing lenses.
The benefits of contact lenses for astigmatism are as follows:
- correction of astigmatism even in the third, most difficult degree (lens astigmatism is corrected up to 4.5 diopters, corneal astigmatism - up to 6);
- not limited to field of view and type of activity;
- lenses are not subject to mechanical stress and do not change the appearance of a person.
But it is worth remembering that it is not recommended to use only lenses all the time, as thiscan lead to oxygen starvation of eye tissues and the development of complications. Experts recommend periodically wearing glasses and lenses and resting from them during sleep.
Types of contact lenses
Don't know which contact lenses to choose for myopia and astigmatism? Then you should familiarize yourself with the types of optical devices for correcting visual function.
Varieties of lenses:
- Material. They can be soft or hard. The first option is characterized by a high throughput of oxygen that enters the tissues of the eye, and it is more convenient to use them. Rigid ones are used in the third (strongest) stage of astigmatism, since they have the best performance.
- Target correction. With astigmatism, toric lenses are used, which are distinguished by a specific shape and high performance in vision correction. Spherical models are prescribed for farsightedness and myopia, multifocal models for the treatment of presbyopia. A variety of spherical models are cylindrical.
- Duration of use. Not sure if you can wear contact lenses with astigmatism all the time? Then you should understand that there are lenses that change daily and do not require special care. There are models that are designed to be used for only two weeks or more than a month, but they need to be cleaned after each use and stored in a special solution.
- Water content. It can be high (up to 70%), medium (up to 55%) and low (up to 37%). Lenses with high water contentthe most comfortable to use, but quickly lose their shape. The second option is the most optimal, regardless of the season. If the optical elements contain a small amount of water, they will last a long time, but it is better to wear them in the cold season.
- Color. Lenses can be clear, tinted or colored. Colorless ones are used to correct vision, weakly tinted ones make the eye color brighter. But tinted ones correct vision and give a darker shade to the pupil. Colored lenses have no therapeutic effect, but can drastically change the color of the eyes.
Aspherical lenses, which are elliptical in shape, are also used to correct astigmatism. There are also orthokeratology, designed for use at night and helping to improve visual function during the day, and therapeutic lenses. The last model is applied immediately after the operation.
Selection criteria
Ophthalmologists are often asked if regular lenses can be worn with astigmatism. With the help of simple optical devices for cosmetic purposes, it will only change the color of the eyes, but in no way improve visual function. Such lenses are now available to everyone, and according to statistics, more than 125 million people around the world use them for any purpose.
In order to choose lenses, it is worth going through a comprehensive examination by a specialist who will determine the nature, degree and type of pathology. For this, computer diagnostics are used.
What to consider whenchoice of lenses:
- visual acuity;
- how distorted the lens;
- presence of other diseases associated with visual function;
- cornea size;
- how comfortable a person feels in the chosen lens model;
- exact location of the meridian.
Can I wear plain lenses with astigmatism? These varieties include one-day models that do not require special care. They are worn only during the day, and in the evening the eyes rest. The lenses can be lightly tinted and not only correct the visual function, but also make the color of the pupil more saturated and pronounced.
Producers
Ask yourself what is it - astigmatic contact lenses, how to wear and where to buy? These questions can be answered by a specialist after a comprehensive diagnosis. Aspheric, cylindrical and toric lenses are suitable for correcting astigmatism. The latter model is used most often, since it improves the quality of visual function in the presence of not only this disease, but also other eye pathologies.
Most often, toric lenses are made from hydrogel. It does not violate the lipid membrane, contains a sufficient amount of oxygen, so it does not bring discomfort when worn. Lens companies that stand out in the market include Maxima Optics, CIBA Vision, Cooper Vision, Johnson & Johnson, and Interojo. It is better to purchase them for the first time in a specialized store or pharmacy and only after a comprehensive examination. Products can also be purchased online, which isfast and convenient way.
The most popular models of astigmatic contact lenses by reviews and price:
- Biofinity Toric - have a perfect design, high oxygen permeability, low elasticity, designed for 1 month if used only during the day (cost about 1,5 thousand rubles).
- PureVision 2 Toric - contains a moisturizing component for easy and comfortable wear, a large diameter for centering the cornea and clear image reproduction regardless of lighting (from 1260 rubles).
- Acuvue Oasys are two-week lenses with a moisturizing ingredient and maximum protection. They leave only good reviews (price from 1 thousand rubles).
- Air Optix for Astigmatism are toric lenses that have a soft, smooth and resistant surface, are not subject to contamination, the surface remains transparent even after a month of regular use (from 1040 rubles).
How to use lenses?
If there is a vision problem - astigmatism, is it possible to wear lenses and is it safe for such a disease? Experts note that this is a simple, safe and effective way to correct visual function in astigmatism. But in order for optical devices to bring only benefit, you should know certain rules when using.
According to patients, such advice helps to avoid many problems. Basic recommendations for correcting vision for astigmatism:
- lenses are put on and removed only with clean hands, importantfollow the rules of hygiene;
- to clean the lenses, you should use a special solution, do not use ordinary tap water (is it possible to wear lenses with astigmatism, as well as the rules and features of care and storage, an ophthalmologist will tell you);
- respect the time of using lenses, as well as the period of wearing (as a rule, they are not worn at night);
- Lenses should not be exposed to various cosmetic or chemical products, as they can disrupt their structure;
- makeup is applied after wearing the optics;
- medication for instillation of the eyes to apply after the lens is removed from there.
It is also important to monitor the condition of the eyes and periodically undergo an examination. Also, if you experience discomfort or other inconvenience, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Night and colored lenses for astigmatism
Wondering whether you can wear lenses with astigmatism, namely orthokeratology models? They are designed to be used at night, and their principle of operation is somewhat similar to laser correction. Only such performance should be constantly maintained, since visual impairments when wearing such optics tend to return.
The result of OK-therapy lasts for 24 hours, the lenses have a special shape that affects the cornea and changes the refractive power. Here it is important to stick to regularity and wear them every night so that the quality of vision is high during the day. As soon as a personmisses some time, the visual function deteriorates and the effectiveness of the therapeutic effect is lost.
Can I wear colored lenses with astigmatism? Experts note that there are no restrictions on color. Here you can choose optics depending on personal preferences, from regular to color-changing models. But it should be understood that multi-colored models are thicker than transparent options for astigmatism correction. A thick layer can block blood flow to the cornea or increase eye strain, so you can only wear it occasionally, irregularly.
Care Tips
Knowing whether it is possible to wear lenses with astigmatism, you should familiarize yourself with the rules for caring for optics. It depends on this how long and qualitatively the product will serve without causing discomfort, but only improving visual function.
Storage and care rules:
- All lenses, regardless of the model and purpose of use, are stored in a special container in which there is a solution. It is changed daily to prevent the growth and reproduction of bacteria that can lead to an inflammatory process in the eye.
- Before putting on the lenses, it is worth examining them, they must be intact, without damage and specks.
- Pay special attention to the choice of cosmetics - they should not crumble, as they can damage the delicate structure of the lenses in the eye and lead to clouding.
- The first few days from the start of using the lenses, some discomfort may be felt when wearing, then the eye gets used to it.
- Ifa new case for such optics is purchased, before use it is worth washing it with an odorless antibacterial solution.
- Feeling irritated or watery while wearing the lens? Allergic manifestations to the solution or the material of their manufacture are possible. In these cases, it is worth contacting an ophthalmologist.
- Wearing lenses can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight, wear sunglasses to minimize the effects.
Conclusion
Contact lenses for astigmatism can significantly increase the quality of visual function. It is worthwhile to approach the choice of optics thoroughly, based on the functionality of the lenses, their variety and degree of pathology. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the rules of use and storage. Lenses have a number of advantages over glasses, regardless of the pathology of visual function, but in order to extend their service life, it is worth following the rules of hygiene, as well as the service life of products.
