Astigmatism is not a disease, as some may think. It is a slight difference in the shape of your eye, causing fuzzy, blurred vision at all distances. It belongs to a group of common imperfections of the eye—called refractive errors—that also include nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia. Anyone can have astigmatism and it often runs in families. If you are near-or farsighted, you may develop astigmatism that needs correction.
Astigmatism usually results from being born with a cornea—the dome front part of the eye—that is oval-shaped rather than round. This irregular shape bends light rays too much, so you are unable to focus an image properly.
Sometimes the cornea can change and lead to astigmatism because of an eye injury, infection, surgery, or in rare cases, some diseases.
In some people, astigmatism is so mild they do not realize they have it until an eye exam, or when it becomes noticeable enough to bother them. You may experience one or more of these common signs and symptoms:
As with every condition, how one copes with astigmatism depends on how severe it gets or how stable it becomes. If you work with text and do a lot of reading, or need to drive at night often, it can be frustrating. Once you are diagnosed and your eye care professional recommends corrective treatment, it is very manageable with contact lenses for astigmatism—also called toric lenses. The advanced technology and variety of contact lenses today make them an excellent choice for people who engage in sports and other activities, or want a personal look unencumbered by eyeglasses.
To learn more about Astigmatism, its symptoms and treatments, visit myeyes.com.
Astigmatism is a slight difference in the shape of your eye, causing fuzzy, blurred vision at all distances. The oval shape of eyes with astigmatism causes images to be processed differently than eyes with a more circular shape, as shown below.
| How a circular-shaped eye processes images: | How an eye with astigmatism processes images: |
Because astigmatism causes images to be processed at two points on the back of the eye, each lens that corrects for astigmatism require two prescriptions that must remain in the same place relative to the eye. If the lens rotates, vision will become blurry. So, lens stability is key to consistently clear vision.
Contact lenses that correct astigmatism are called toric contact lenses. They are made specifically to address the slight difference in shape of your eye that can cause fuzzy, blurred vision. A toric contact lens has two prescriptions—one to correct astigmatism, and the other to correct near- or farsightedness. They are designed to remain stable on the eye and not rotate as you blink or move your eyes.
AIR OPTIX® for Astigmatism contact lenses are toric contact lenses that correct astigmatism, while providing better overall, constant and stable vision.1 And because of the unique ultra-smooth surface technology and proprietary lens material, AIR OPTIX® for Astigmatism contact lenses also give you all-day comfort that lasts throughout the wearing period and breathable* materials for white, healthy-looking eyes. If you have astigmatism, talk to your eye care professional about AIR OPTIX® for Astigmatism contact lenses.
Today, there is an AIR OPTIX® for Astigmatism contact lens for almost every person with astigmatism. Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.
Click here for general information about contact lens care and wear.
†Eye exam may be required before lens trial. Professional fees for eye exam may apply. One pair of non-corrective AIR OPTIX® COLORS contact lenses for wear in-office only. Offer available at participating offices.
‡One-month trial refers to a recommended replacement schedule of up to 4 weeks as determined by the eye care professional.
§Not everyone can sleep in lenses or wear lenses for a full 30 nights. Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care, and safety information. Important Safety Information.
