An estimated 33% of people in the United States have some degree of astigmatism, which is an abnormal curvature of one or both eyes. While you can have astigmatism without realizing it, the condition can cause bothersome or even debilitating symptoms that impact your vision and daily life.

Thankfully, effective astigmatism treatments are available, including corrective contact lenses.

At Alamo Eye Care in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Melanie Frogozo, Dr. Swati Kumar, and their expert team offer scleral contact lenses as an effective vision correction treatment when you have astigmatism. Take a moment to learn more about astigmatism, including how these lenses can help.
 

Astigmatism basics

When you have astigmatism, it means the front surface of your eye or the lens inside your eye has mismatched curves. Rather than having a round ball-like shape, your eye or lens within it is shaped more like an egg. As a result, you can experience a range of symptoms, such as:

• Blurry vision

• Eyelid twitching, especially after using your eyes for a long period of time 

• Eyestrain or discomfort

• Frequent squinting

• Headaches

• Poor night vision
   

You were likely born with astigmatism, although it can develop or make itself known later, along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. These vision changes commonly begin around puberty or mid-life.

Treatment isn’t always necessary for astigmatism, but when it is, your options may include corrective contacts, eyeglasses, or surgery.
 

Contact lenses for astigmatism 

If you have astigmatism and prefer a nonsurgical option for managing its symptoms, you can opt for contact lenses. A variety of types are available to correct your condition.

At Alamo Eye Care, we typically recommend scleral lenses for astigmatism. These specialized, gas-permeable lenses have a larger diameter than other contact lenses. And many people with astigmatism experience markedly sharper vision when wearing them.

Not everyone prefers gas-permeable lenses, given that they’re thicker and more rigid than other lenses. They also require a bit of an adjustment period. 

Gradually, however, many people find that these lenses are durable, easy to use, and comfortable. They also guard against dry eye and allow sufficient amounts of oxygen into your eyes.

Gas-permeable contact lenses cost a bit more than soft contact lenses, but they also tend to last longer. And if fully gas-permeable contact lenses aren’t ideal for you, you may be a good candidate for hybrid lenses, which are less likely to get dislodged during physical activities and have thinner edges.

To learn more about astigmatism or find out which contact lenses are ideal for you, call Alamo Eye Care at 210-469-9744 or text us at 210-403-9050. You can also request an appointment through our website.