Living with Astigmatism? Here’s How Specialty Contact Lenses Could Help You See Clearly

If you have astigmatism, you’re not alone. Many people in Midlothian, Virginia struggle with blurred or distorted vision caused by this common refractive error. Maybe you’ve tried regular contact lenses but found they didn’t give you the clarity you need, or perhaps you’ve stuck with glasses because you assumed contacts weren’t an option. Specialty contact lenses can help correct astigmatism and give you crisp, comfortable vision—without the hassle of glasses.
 

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, it’s more oval—like a football. This uneven curvature causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances.
 

Many people with mild astigmatism can get by with glasses or standard soft contact lenses, but if your astigmatism is more pronounced, those options might not provide the sharp, stable vision you need. At Colonial River Eye Care, we offer advanced contact lens solutions tailored to your eyes, ensuring better vision, comfort, and stability.
 

Toric Contact Lenses

Toric lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism. Unlike standard soft lenses, which have the same power all around, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens. They also have a stabilization feature that helps keep them in the correct position on your eye. If you’ve tried toric lenses in the past and struggled with lens rotation or inconsistent vision, newer designs may provide better stability and comfort.
 

Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses

GP lenses are smaller, rigid lenses that hold their shape rather than conforming to the cornea. Because they maintain a smooth optical surface, they can correct astigmatism more precisely than soft lenses. While they may take some time to get used to, many patients find that GP lenses provide sharper vision than traditional soft toric lenses.
 

Hybrid Lenses

If you want the clarity of a GP lens but the comfort of a soft lens, hybrid lenses might be the right choice. These lenses have a rigid center (which corrects astigmatism) and a soft skirt around the edges for enhanced comfort. They’re a great option if you’ve struggled with either GP or soft toric lenses in the past.
 

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger, gas-permeable lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). They are particularly helpful for people with high astigmatism or irregular corneas (such as in cases of keratoconus). Because they create a smooth optical surface and a reservoir of moisture, they also help with dry eye symptoms—something many of our patients in Midlothian appreciate, especially during allergy season.
 

Finding the Right Lenses for You

The best way to determine which contact lenses will work best for your astigmatism is through a comprehensive contact lens exam and fitting. At Colonial River Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic technology to map the shape of your cornea, measure your prescription precisely, and recommend the ideal lens type for your lifestyle and vision needs.
 

Ready to See Clearly?

Living with astigmatism doesn’t mean you have to settle for blurry vision or uncomfortable lenses. Whether you’re tired of dealing with glasses or looking for a better contact lens solution, our team at Colonial River Eye Care is here to help.
 

Don't let astigmatism blur your world, schedule your contact lens consultation at Colonial River Eye Care and discover the best option for your eyes! Visit our office in Midlothian, Virginia, or call (804) 494-7400 to book an appointment today.