Does the light appear fuzzy or streaky when you drive at night? You may have astigmatism, a common vision defect affecting 1 in 3 people. Sounds scary, but easily treatable!
Whether you're an adult or a young person, astigmatism can make daily activities challenging. They use eyeglasses in search of eye comfort but, at times, fail to identify the perfect fit.
Fortunately, one specialized solution to the correction of the irregularly-shaped lens is the use of toric lenses for astigmatism in eyeglasses.
If you are also interested in achieving clear vision without compromising your style or budget, toric lenses may be the best solution for you. This guide will explore how these toric lenses actually work and what the tips are for choosing the right eyeglasses.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that prevents the eye from focusing light properly. It occurs when the shape of the cornea or lens is irregular (more like a football) instead of spherical.
In normal vision, the cornea or lens allows the light to enter the eye and then points it to the retina, which then forms an inverted image. The optic nerve in the brain interprets the image and allows us to see the object with clarity. But when there are imperfections in the curvature of the cornea or lens, the light deflects differently, leading to vision distortion.
The extent of symptoms varies from person to person and depends on the severity of astigmatism. The common ones are blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, and problems with night vision. Some people also report the loss of near (myopia) or far (hyperopia) vision.
Nearly everyone has some amount of astigmatism, either by birth or developed later due to injury or surgery. Shockingly, it is so common that most people, including children, are unaware if they have it. Individuals who view traffic lights as streaked or blurry most likely have astigmatism. Luckily, astigmatism is simple to correct with a toric lens.
What Are Toric Lenses?
In simple words, toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism and provide clearer vision. Primarily used in eyeglasses, the goal of toric lenses is to provide vision clarity along with a fashionable look.
Toric lenses could be most suited to individuals with corneal astigmatism, as they allow the light to bend into the eye properly, minimizing blurry vision. It is a common corrective treatment for people with uneven eye shape and refractive lens errors. Following surgery, toric lenses may also reduce the dependence on glasses for distant vision.
Eyeglasses with toric lenses come in different optical powers and focal lengths in two perpendicular orientations to maintain the orientation of the lens on the eye. The toric lens has unique shapes, ballast designs, and features like thin-thick zones, acting both like a spherical and a cylindrical lens. Similar to a slice from a donut!
Choosing the Right Toric Lenses for You
As you are well informed about what toric lenses are, it’s time to choose the right toric lenses for your astigmatism. It is important to note that not all cases of astigmatism are the same, and therefore, toric lenses are not a universal fit.
Obtaining the proper toric lens with the utmost fit requires precise measurements through special astigmatism testing. It is worth speaking to have a comprehensive eye checkup to identify the axis of your astigmatism. Your vision is valuable, so consult with an eye care professional about the possibility. Your optometrist will take measurements of both the power of the lens and the orientation for it to sit in alignment with the distortion of your eye.
The treatment method you choose after consultation will also depend on the following factors:
- Prescription
- Eye Health
- Corneal thickness
- Lifestyle or routine activities (active or sedentary)
- Comfort preference (soft or RGP)
- Replacement schedule (daily or monthly)
Get an understanding of the eyeglasses prescription and the right lens options with ZEELOOL.
Myths About Astigmatism and Toric Lenses
Many people think astigmatism is a serious problem and fall for common misconceptions. Although astigmatism is easily treatable, regular eye checkups are still necessary to ensure correct vision.
Let us break some common myths.
Myth 1: Astigmatism can’t be corrected with glasses.
Toric lenses in eyeglasses are designed specifically for treating asymmetrical curvatures of the eyes and correcting astigmatism. Moreover, these lenses have more than a 90% chance of offering 0.75 diopters or less.
Myth 2: Toric lenses make glasses bulky and heavy.
Not at all, modern toric lenses use lightweight yet durable materials for sleek designs to boost your confidence. Eyeglasses made of acetate are ideal for daily wear.
Myth 3: Astigmatism worsens if untreated.
Most people believe that astigmatism will worsen their condition if it remains untreated. It is not always true. With age and changes in the eye shape, it may cause more eye strain or headaches, but it does not always lead to worsening eyesight.
Conclusion
Eyeglasses with toric lenses are the best solution for treating astigmatism, as they help with the correct positioning of the lens. The severity and type of your astigmatism will determine the most appropriate treatment for you. It's advisable to consult an eye care practitioner each time. To style your lenses with stylish eyeglass frames, ZEELOOL is the best choice with a wide range of options.
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