Corrective Lenses work well for treating those with Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a treatable imperfection in the eye's curvature that results in blurred vision. The condition is usually present at birth and tends to occur with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Without treatment, the condition usually remains constant, neither improving nor worsening over time.

There are two types of astigmatism. When the imperfect curvature affects the front surface of the eye, called the cornea, the condition is corneal astigmatism. When the imperfect curvature affects the lens, located inside the eye, the condition is lenticular astigmatism. Both types can cause blurred vision and both can be successfully treated.

Most people have some degree of astigmatism. Often, the condition is not pronounced enough to require vision correction.

The goal of treating astigmatism is to correct the eye's uneven curvature. Treatments include corrective lenses and refractive surgery. Wearing corrective lenses treats astigmatism by counteracting the uneven curvature. Types of corrective lenses include:

Contact lenses

Corrective lenses can correct both corneal and lenticular astigmatism. A wide variety of contact lenses are available, including hard, soft, extended wear, and disposable, rigid gas permeable and bifocal lenses. Your eyecare professional will prescribe the correct corrective lens for you.

Another type of corrective procedure is called orthokeratology

In this procedure, the patient wears rigid contact lenses for several hours a day until the curvature of the eye improves. After improvement, the lenses are worn less frequently, only used to maintain the eyes' new corrected shape. Interestingly, if treatment is discontinued, the eyes will return to their former imperfect shape.

Eyeglasses

For those who don't want to wear corrective contact lenses, corrective eyeglasses are a good option. Your eyecare professional will help you choose the right lenses for you.

Refractive surgery

For those who have astigmatism but want to forego corrective lenses and eyeglasses, surgery may be an option. Surgical procedures that reshape the eye's surface include LASIK surgery and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). LASIK and PRK have been shown to improve low to moderate astigmatism in people with nearsightedness. The results don't work as well for farsighted people.

To learn more about astigmatism, corrective contact lenses, corrective eyeglasses or corrective surgeries, feel free to browse the menu on this page.

Shop for: