Contact Lens Options | Specialty Contact lens Options |
Contact Lenses for AstigmatismOne of the most beneficial advances in the contact lens industry has been the introduction of new and improved toric contact lenses to correct astigmatism.
Previously, astigmatic patients were rarely presented with any options in contact lenses, because eye doctors were reluctant to fit these lenses (most often RGP) due to a belief that they were hard to fit and didn't perform well. As a result, many astigmatic patients are not aware of the options available to them. Not to mention, some were previously told that contact lenses were simply not viable for them. But with manufacturers of soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses continually coming up with new technology, and improving upon existing products, this is clearly not the case now. Small amounts of astigmatism (< 1.00D) can often be ignored with soft lenses - most people will experience vision only slightly less clear than their glasses. However if you want that corrected there are now lenses capable of that - even daily ones. For greater amounts of astigmatism (greater than 1.00D, but less than 2.00D) the astigmatism will often be corrected with either a rigid gas permeable lens, which are very effective at correcting astigmatism, or by using a soft toric lens. Without this correction the vision can be quite blurred. These lenses are often replaced on a monthly cycle Soft Torics On the soft lens side, torics are now disposable and available in very low astigmatic-correcting powers. Soft toric lenses are indicated for individuals who both prefer and are good candidates for soft lenses but require a correction for, at minimum, 0.50D of refractive astigmatism. Numerous clinical studies have concluded that even with as little as -0.75D of refractive astigmatism, patients favor a soft toric as compared to having it uncorrected with a spherical soft lens, which some eye doctors prefer. RGP Solution Rigid gas permeable (RGP) toric lenses have gotten better as a result of the advancements in manufacturing technology and equipment. All this adds up to better optical quality. The rigidness of RGPs can help mask a need for an astigmatic correction, by helping your eye conform to the shape of the contact lens. Your eye doctor can help you choose the option that best meets your vision needs. Bifocal Contacts: A Viable Option for PresbyopesBaby boomers have never wanted to grow old gracefully. Thanks to advances in technology, bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are a viable option for the current generation of presbyopes. Patients in their middle years today take their health care into their own hands. They are more aware of the alternatives that are available for vision correction than the previous generations. Many want to maintain their youthful appearance as long as they can and want to be able to see and be seen without glasses. This market is ripe for multifocals since some may already have tried reading or bifocal glasses or monovision contact lenses and had difficulty adjusting to them. Soft and RGP Options A number of design options exist for both soft and rigid lens (RGP) correction. All soft bifocal and multifocal designs are simultaneous vision lenses. That is, they permit light from both near and distance to enter the pupil at the same time. Patients must train their brains to select the desired image and filter out or ignore the unwanted rays of light. Some designs have the distance power in the center, others, the near. Some are progressive, gradually changing from distance to near or near to distance seamlessly, in a manner similar to multifocal glasses; others are concentric, and have either distance or near in the middle, surrounded by one or more rings that contain the correction for the opposite focal length. Alternating Vision Rigid bifocals and multifocals not only encompass the full range of simultaneous vision designs but are also available in alternating vision or translating designs. Alternating vision lenses are designed to move up as the patient looks down, allowing the near portion of the lens to enter the pupillary area and enabling the patient to read. Alternating vision lenses may be concentric, usually with a central distance zone surrounded by a near ring, or they may resemble a bifocal or trifocal spectacle lens, with the reading segment in the lower portion of the lens and prism ballast added to weight the bottom of the lens and keep the near zone in a downward position. Some translating rigid bifocals and trifocals are truncated. Truncation involves removing a segment of plastic from the lower edge of the lens, leaving a straight bottom edge. This enables the lid to help push the near zone of the lens up to the pupil when the patient looks down to read. Growing Market Industry estimates indicate that only three percent of potential patients are currently wearing some form of presbyopic contact lens correction even though improved materials and designs continue to be introduced. You should visit your eye doctor to determine if bifocal contact lenses are a viable correction option. Contact Lenses: The Right FitOne Size Does Not Fit All: Proper fitting of contact lenses crucial for comfort, safety. If you haven't worn or investigated contact lenses since leisure suits were all the rage, be aware that some marvelous advances have been made in lens technology. An array of products is available to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and other vision problems. "Right now, eye care patients can easily obtain everything from bifocal contacts to new disposable lenses that you can wear for a week -- or even a single day -- and then simply discard," says Kenneth N. Schwaderer, O.D., F.A.A.O., a VSP optometrist of Mountain View, California. Because lenses offer so many advantages, it's vital that they be properly fitted and worn, says Dr. Schwaderer. "Contact lenses are a medical device," he says. "But in recent years, there's been so much commercial hype that they're often put in the same category as a six-pack of soda. That's a mistake. Remember that contact lenses still require a prescription, and they should be fitted and handled with the same care that goes into any other medical prescription," Dr. Schwaderer says. "For that reason, I recommend against ordering original contact lenses by mail-order." A proper fitting of your new contact lenses will confirm that your vision has been corrected accurately, while also assuring that your eyes won't be damaged by wearing the devices. Contact lenses fit over the cornea of the eye, and it's important to protect the health of the cornea with a proper fit. An inadequate fitting could damage the sensitive tissues of the cornea, leading to irritation, infection or even an ulcer in that part of the eye. Be Sure to Get the Right Fit According to Dr. Schwaderer, an eye exam and contact lens fitting should include: Analysis of the vision problem and overall eye health. Your eye doctor should compile a case history, then test your eyesight carefully. The lens fitting should proceed only after resolving any health problems uncovered by a thorough eye exam. Selection of the proper lens. The eye doctor will measure your eyes, then look for a lens with the right amount of curve, thickness and diameter to correct your vision. In most cases, the contacts can be purchased right in the doctor's office. Instructions on lens handling and care solutions. Proper maintenance of your new contact lenses is crucial: Don't stop asking questions until you understand what has to be done! Establishment of a wearing schedule. The wearing schedule basically tells you how long you can safely keep your contact lenses in your eyes. Proper fitting evaluation. During your next eye exam, discuss issues such as comfort, clarity and accuracy of vision with contact lenses on. |
Astigmatism is a vision condition that occurs when the front surface of your eye, the cornea, is slightly irregular in shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the back of your eye, the retina. As a result, your vision may be blurred at all distances.| < Prev | Next > |
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