Toric contact lenses - solutions for Astigmatism

Buy Contact Lenses Online at:

It's a popular misconception that people with astigmatism are unable to wear contact lenses.

This idea has been built on two outdated notions: firstly that hard lenses are uncomfortable and difficult to get used to, and secondly that tailor-made soft lenses are prohibitively expensive.

Although price may have been an issue a few years ago, science and technology have moved on apace and today's soft toric lenses are both affordable and offer a wide range of choice.

Astigmatism is the result of the cornea (the eye's outermost protective coating) becoming distorted, which causes light rays to be focussed on a number of different points on the retina. This manifests itself in an inability of the eye to focus clearly at any distance. Eye-care professionals commonly liken the sensation to the visual equivalent of walking into a fairground Hall of Mirrors.

If you suffer from mild astigmatism (anywhere between +1 and –1) many eye-care professionals will suggest using RGP gas-permeable lenses, rather than toric lenses. Although the RGP lenses have no power to correct the astigmatism, their shape and relative inflexibility helps to reshape the eye.

Another option is to try to ‘mask' the astigmatism by using high-powered soft contact lenses. At present the diagnostic procedure is far from being an exact science though.

It's difficult to over emphasize the importance of having your toric lenses fitted properly by an eye-care professional, and of having regular follow up tests. Standard toric lenses are designed to last for 14 days before being replaced, however daily disposable toric lenses are also available.

Bearing in mind the nature of astigmatism, it's no real surprise that ordering toric contact lenses online requires more information than when ordering standard lenses. However, this doesn't mean that it's any more complicated. Typically you'll need to know the following from your eye-care professional:

Power: Measured in dioptres, + representing shortsightedness and – longsightedness. Values range between +20.00 and -20.00

Base Curve: A measure of the curvature of the lens in order to fit the cornea. Values range between 8.0 and 10.0

Diameter: A measure of the overall size of the lens, which may vary from left eye (OS) to right (OD). Values range between 13.0 and 15.0

Cylinder: Represents the strength of your astigmatism.

Axis: Represents the orientation of your astigmatism.

Pink Fridge Online Magazine > dating online > marriage counselling > wedding planning guide > pregnancy symptoms & advice > how to work at home > car insurance advice > overcome depression > hairloss in women > weight loss > diet pills > skin care > tanning > baby gifts > planning a funeral > shopping for perfume > shopping for earrings > shopping for engagement rings > shopping for sunglasses > shopping for shoes > shopping for wedding favours > shopping for wine

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2009 - Toric Contact Lenses

Contact | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Advertising |  Subscribe in a reader