Best Contact Lens for Astigmatism: Types, Brands, and How to Choose
Having astigmatism can make finding the right contact lenses a challenge. Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curvature, causing blurred or distorted vision. Fortunately, with the advancement in contact lens technology, there are now a variety of specialized lenses designed specifically for individuals with astigmatism, providing clear and comfortable vision correction.
In this guide, we'll explore the different types of contact lenses for astigmatism, top brands, and factors to consider when choosing the best option for your needs.
Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric contact lenses are the most common and widely used option for correcting astigmatism. These lenses have a unique design that incorporates different powers or curves to compensate for the irregular corneal shape. Toric lenses are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) materials, catering to different preferences and requirements.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses combine the benefits of both soft and RGP lenses. They feature a rigid gas-permeable center and a soft peripheral skirt, providing excellent visual clarity and comfort. Hybrid lenses are an ideal choice for individuals with high levels of astigmatism or those who struggle with traditional soft or RGP lenses.
Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses are larger in diameter than traditional lenses and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye) instead of the cornea. These lenses can be beneficial for individuals with irregular corneal shapes, including those with astigmatism, as they create a smooth, uniform optical surface for improved vision correction.
Top Contact Lens Brands for Astigmatism
Acuvue Oasys Contact Lens
Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is a popular choice among contact lens wearers. These lenses are designed with Hydraclear Plus technology, providing exceptional comfort and moisture retention. They also feature a unique stabilization system to keep the lens in the correct orientation for optimal astigmatism correction.
Air Optix Contact Lens
Air Optix for Astigmatism, from Alcon, is a monthly disposable toric lens that offers high breathability and a smooth, stable fit. These lenses are made with a silicone hydrogel material that allows ample oxygen transmission, ensuring your eyes remain healthy and comfortable throughout the day.
Precision1 Contact Lens
Precision1 for Astigmatism, by Alcon, is a daily disposable toric lens designed for convenient and hygienic wear. These lenses feature a unique SmartSurface technology that helps maintain consistent lens positioning and stability, ensuring accurate astigmatism correction.
Biofinity XR Toric Contact Lens
Biofinity XR Toric lenses, from CooperVision, are monthly disposable toric lenses that offer extended wear capabilities. They are made with a silicone hydrogel material that allows high oxygen permeability and are designed to maintain their shape and position for consistent astigmatism correction.
Clariti 1 Day Toric Contact Lens
Clariti 1 Day Toric, by CooperVision, is a daily disposable toric lens that offers convenience and freshness every day. These lenses feature a unique WetLoc technology that helps maintain moisture levels throughout the day, ensuring comfortable wear for individuals with astigmatism.
Dailies Total1 Contact Lens
Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism, from Alcon, is a daily disposable toric lens that combines water gradient and surface technologies for exceptional comfort and vision correction. These lenses are designed to maintain their shape and position throughout the day, providing reliable astigmatism correction.
Biotrue ONEday Contact Lens
Biotrue ONEday for Astigmatism, by Bausch & Lomb, is a daily disposable toric lens that incorporates a bio-inspired design to mimic the natural properties of your eyes. These lenses are formulated with a unique moisture-rich material, ensuring comfort and clear vision for individuals with astigmatism.
SofLens Toric Contact Lens
SofLens Toric, from Bausch & Lomb, is a monthly disposable toric lens that offers a stable fit and reliable astigmatism correction. These lenses are made with a high-quality hydrogel material that allows ample oxygen transmission, ensuring your eyes remain healthy and comfortable throughout the wear cycle.
Choosing the Best Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
When selecting the best contact lenses for astigmatism, there are several factors to consider:
Level of Astigmatism The severity of your astigmatism will play a significant role in determining the most suitable lens type. Individuals with mild to moderate astigmatism may benefit from soft toric lenses, while those with higher levels of astigmatism may require RGP or hybrid lenses for optimal vision correction.
Wearing Schedule Consider your lifestyle and desired wearing schedule. Daily disposable lenses offer convenience and hygiene, while monthly or bi-weekly lenses provide a more cost-effective option for continuous wear. Evaluate your preferences and discuss the pros and cons of each option with your eye care professional.
Comfort and Oxygen Permeability Comfort and oxygen permeability are crucial factors for maintaining eye health and prolonged wear. Silicone hydrogel lenses are known for their high oxygen permeability, which can help prevent eye dryness and discomfort, especially for individuals with astigmatism who may require thicker lens designs.
Lens Stability and Orientation For accurate astigmatism correction, it's essential that the lens remains stable on the eye and maintains the correct orientation. Look for lenses with stabilization or orientation technologies that help ensure consistent lens positioning throughout the day.
Professional Guidance Consult with your eye care professional and discuss your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. They can evaluate your specific astigmatism condition and recommend the most suitable contact lens options based on your unique requirements.
Are Contacts Better than Glasses for Astigmatism?
Both contact lenses and glasses can effectively correct astigmatism, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and lifestyle factors. Contact lenses offer a wider field of vision and can be more convenient for certain activities, while glasses may be more comfortable for some individuals and require less maintenance.
Toric contact lenses for astigmatism provide a customized solution by addressing the unique curvature of your cornea, ensuring clear and comfortable vision throughout the day. However, it may take some time to adjust to wearing contacts, especially if you're new to them.
Conclusion
If you have astigmatism and are considering contact lenses, it's crucial to consult with your eye care professional. They can guide you through the process of selecting the best contact lens option, ensuring optimal vision correction and comfort. With the right lenses and proper care, you can enjoy clear and comfortable vision while managing your astigmatism effectively.