Different contact lenses in case of astigmatism can help to correct the vision defect. They provide optically and cosmetically better results than the classic glasses and are therefore often more popular. Which contact lenses are most suitable for astigmatism in individual cases, read here.
Compensate for vision defects through contact lenses
Astigmatism, as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness, can often be compensated with the help of contact lenses. The small visual aids are discreet and in no way limit the field of vision, which is why they are often more popular than glasses. Especially when going out and sports, many people prefer to contact lenses. They do the same thing as eyeglass lenses too – they break the light. Depending on the type and severity of a visual defect, different contact lenses are needed for the correction.
Astigmatism: The choice of contact lenses
Before choosing a suitable contact lens, astigmatism has to be determined exactly what the ophthalmologist and the optician can do. As with short-sightedness and hyperopia, diopter values are also determined in case of astigmatism. They indicate the degree of visual defect. In addition, the strength of the required correction as a so-called cylinder value and the axis position of the astigmatism of the astigmatism are still present in astigmatism. Contact lenses for correcting astigmatism are also characterized by these numbers, that is, two diopters (Dpt.) For “sphere” (Sph) and cylinder (Cyl) and one degree for axis position (A).
Often both eyes have a different degree of astigmatism and are therefore measured separately. If necessary, you will receive differently strong contact lenses for your eyes.
Corneal curvature can be so individual that you need custom made lenses to compensate for the vision defect. By now, however, large optics houses have a large number of different specimens in various strengths and therefore have a stock of matching contact lenses for a number of variants of astigmatism.
Corneal curvature: normal or toric lenses
Mild forms of astigmatism can sometimes be corrected with normal, hard contact lenses. Because the tear film, which forms between the adhesive shell and the eyeball, has the necessary toric shape to compensate for the visual defect.
In the case of middle and higher astigmatism, on the other hand, torically shaped contact lenses are necessary. They are available as soft and hard variants. An advisory discussion with an ophthalmologist or optician helps to select suitable contact lenses.
How are contact lenses used for astigmatism?
In contrast to normal contact lenses, it plays a role in toric lenses, as they are aligned on the eyeball. That’s why they are marked, for example, with lines on the edge. So the wearer knows how to use them. So that the adhesive shell does not twist after insertion, it has stabilizers that always ensure the correct alignment. For example, some models use the pressure created when the eyelid strikes the contact lens.
Does the health insurance pay contact lenses for astigmatism?
Basically pay health insurance only in exceptional cases for Contact lenses for astigmatismin children or in adults with severe visual impairment. Whether you can count on a grant should be best discussed with your own health insurance.