Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common visual condition which causes blurry vision at both far and near distances.   It is caused by the warpage or irregular curvature of the cornea, the lens on the front of the eye, and/or the lens inside the eye.   Astigmatism often occurs in combination with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).  Small amounts of astigmatism may not require visual correction, however, larger amounts require glasses or contact lens correction for sharp vision.

One option for astigmatism correction is gas permeable contact lenses.  These rigid lenses can provide extremely sharp vision.  Gas permeable lenses are usually custom-made and are very durable.  Another option is soft toric contact lenses.  Many soft toric lenses are now available including newer lenses for safer overnight wear.  Dr. Yin can examine your eyes during a comprehensive examination to determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses.  She will make recommendations to help you choose contact lenses that are suitable for your visual correction and your lifestyle.

Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

The newest generation of rigid contact lenses are composed of materials that allow oxygen to penetrate the contact lens and are called gas permeable. These lenses can be quickly custom manufactured to correct all types of visual conditions, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism.   Gas permeable lenses can provide sharper, crisper vision than soft lenses, however, due to their smaller size and rigid nature can require more time to adapt than soft lenses.  Gas permeable lenses are much more durable than soft lenses and require less frequent replacement.   They are available in daily wear and overnight wear materials.  With 20+ years of experience in fitting gas permeable lenses Dr. Yin can help you see clearly and comfortably in contact lenses.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

If you require a different prescription for near vision than for far vision, then multifocal contact lenses may be an option for you.  As we mature, the crystalline lenses inside our eyes gradually become less effective in allowing us to read close items such as the cell phone.  This condition is called presbyopia.  Presbyopia may be corrected with glasses or with multifocal soft or gas permeable contact lenses.  These lenses have built-in correction for both distance and near vision.  Each brand and design of multifocal has different characteristics.  After determining your visual needs with a comprehensive exam Dr. Yin can determine if you are a good candidate for multifocal contact lenses or other options for presbyopia, such as monovision (one eye for distance, the other for near).

Disposable Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are composed of materials that are flexible and allow oxygen to penetrate the lenses.  This provides good eye health and great comfort.  Over time, soft contact lens materials can attract deposits and build-up that can be difficult to remove, even with daily cleaning.  For this reason all soft contact lenses recommended today are designed to be replaced on a regular basis.  For allergy sufferers, those who work in a dirty environment or patients with sensitive eyes, daily disposable contact lenses are a great option.  Nothing feels better than putting on a new, clean contact lens every day.  Daily disposable lenses are available for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Some patients prefer to clean their lenses nightly for re-use the next day and will choose a monthly or 2-week disposable lens.  Many of these lenses are available in overnight (extended) wear materials that may allow you to safely wear the lenses continuously for 1 week or 30 days, depending upon the brand.  These lenses are available with correction for astigmatism, presbyopia, nearsightedness and farsightedness.  For optimum eye health and comfort we recommend the newer silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses which allow greater oxygen to the eye than older generation lenses.

Another type of contact lens available is a custom-made hybrid contact lens.  This lens has a gas permeable center with a soft "skirt" that combines the comfort of a soft lens with the crisp vision of a gas permeable lens.  This lens is replaced every 6 months but requires more extensive overnight cleaning to maintain the lens.

If you are interested in wearing contact lenses for the first time or are not pleased with your current contact lenses, please discuss contact lens options with Dr. Yin at your next examination.  She is happy to help you achieve the best possible vision and comfort.

We provide contact lenses from most manufacturers, including Ciba Vision, CooperVision, Vistakon (Acuvue) and Bausch + Lomb.