Astigmatism is a defect of a lens resulting in the formation of distorted images; it is caused by the curvature of the lens being different in different planes. This definition of astigmatism may be too professional for common people to understand, but if defined briefly, it is an eye condition and the sufferer may just have slightly blurred vision or have a difficulty to properly focus on or identify fine detail of a shape. Astigmatism can even give you headaches or eye strain and distort blur vision at all distances.
Astigmatism is usually a rather frustrating and painful condition, every sufferer wants to find a way to get rid of it. The good news is that there is a kind of contacts that is specially designed for astigmatism: toric contact lens.
Toric contact lenses for astigmatism are available in both soft and gas permeable lens materials. The fact is that toric contacts are more difficult to be adapted than those lenses for nearsightedness or farsightedness, therefore the wearer has to try several pairs to obtain the best possible fit, vision and comfort.
For the fact that astigmatism will usually cause dry eyes, which is a common condition preventing wearers from wearing contact lenses. To solve this problem, there is also toric contact lens for dry eyes, helping to reduce the harmful and painful effects of astigmatism. The drawback is that those contacts cost much higher that ordinary contacts.
One thing needs reminding is that children may have astigmatism as well. It affects a child’s ability to see well in school and during sports, which is very bad for his or her growth, therefore to make sure you schedule an eye exam for your child is necessary.