If you've been diagnosed with astigmatism, you may be wondering if glasses can actually correct this common vision issue. The good news is that yes, prescription glasses can absolutely help manage and correct astigmatism - but the type of lenses you choose makes all the difference.
At Specs4less, we're all about helping our customers see their best, whether they have astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or any other vision concern. That's why we're breaking down everything you need to know about using glasses to correct astigmatism.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly spherical, the cornea or lens is slightly oblong or football-shaped. This irregular shape causes light to bend unevenly as it enters the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
The most common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurred or distorted vision, both up close and at a distance
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions
- Headaches or eye strain
- Squinting or tilting the head to see more clearly
Astigmatism is an extremely common vision problem, affecting around 1 in 3 people. It often develops in childhood and can worsen over time, but it's easily managed with the right corrective lenses.
How Glasses Correct Astigmatism
The key to correcting astigmatism with glasses is the lens shape. Regular single-vision lenses have a uniform curvature, but astigmatism requires lenses with a different curvature in different meridians (the imaginary lines that run vertically and horizontally across the lens).
Astigmatism-correcting lenses, also called toric lenses, have a steeper curve in one direction to offset the irregular shape of the cornea or lens. This allows light to bend and focus properly, resulting in clear, undistorted vision.
Toric lenses come in a variety of lens types, including:
- Single vision toric lenses for distance vision
- Bifocal toric lenses for both distance and near vision
- Progressive toric lenses for a seamless visual experience at all distances
The specific lens type you need will depend on your individual prescription and vision needs. Your Specs4less optometrist can help determine the best toric lenses for you.
Other Astigmatism Correction Options
While glasses are the most common and convenient way to correct astigmatism, they're not the only option. Other treatments include:
- Contact lenses: Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism in a similar way to toric eyeglass lenses.
- Orthokeratology: Also known as "ortho-k," this involves wearing specialized contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.
- Refractive surgery: Procedures like LASIK can permanently reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism.
The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your astigmatism, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences. Your Specs4less eye care team can help you explore all the options and find the best solution.
So if you've been diagnosed with astigmatism, don't worry - there are plenty of ways to get your vision back on track. Stop by Specs4less today and let us help you find the perfect glasses to correct your astigmatism and see the world clearly again.
