Are Scleral Contact Lenses the Best Option for Astigmatism?

The suite of refractive errors is the main obstacle keeping many millions of Americans from enjoying good eyesight. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 150 million individuals in the U.S. have some type of refractive error, though many may not even know it. These ocular disorders include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), age-related vision loss (presbyopia), and astigmatism.

Yet, you can stop these disorders from hindering your life by contacting us today in Tuscaloosa, AL. Our treatment options at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa can dispel the blurriness of astigmatism through scleral contact lenses and other great alternatives.

What causes refractive disorders like astigmatism?

They are all problems originating from an abnormally shaped eyeball. As a finely tuned organ, the eye must focus incoming light onto the retina at the back because the retina contains the cells that detect light. Yet, any misshapen structures along the way (such as the outer cornea or the lens that sits in front of the retina) will cause that incoming light to bend (refract) improperly.

The result is that the light does not focus correctly on the retina, and the visual image produced by the eyes and brain appears distorted or blurred. In astigmatism, this visual distortion is caused by the cornea and lens having mismatched curves, throwing off incoming light. As a result, those with astigmatism generally experience blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, the need to consistently squint, and the resultant pain and discomfort of eyestrain and headaches.

Are scleral contact lenses the best option for astigmatism?

There are numerous effective and hassle-free options for astigmatism, so there really is no single best option. That’s a good thing because it opens up your choices. It also means that everyone’s optimal treatment depends on multiple factors, so your most promising (or best) treatment may not be optimal for somebody else. If that sounds a bit complicated, don’t let it worry you – our experienced doctors have formulated solutions for countless patients, and we’re excited to do the same for you.

We can devise a solution specifically for your unique needs based on various aspects, including your eye health, overall health, physiology, and lifestyle factors. Generally, the treatment choices for astigmatism (and the other refractive errors) include glasses, contact lenses, or laser vision correction.

Among the most effective options are scleral lenses, which differ from the traditional kind in several ways. First, they’re larger. Their increased dimensions allow them to vault over a more significant part of the scleral (the white of your eye) surface for a more stable fit. Many patients find scleral contact lenses more comfortable, especially those with strenuous jobs or active lifestyles, as the rigidity and extra coverage of a scleral contact hold it in place. Plus, even though these lenses are rigid, they’re still perfectly permeable, allowing gas exchange to keep your eyes moisturized.

Avoid astigmatism with scleral contacts

Scleral contact lenses can be just the game-changer you need to conquer astigmatism and attain clearer, crisper vision. To find out how much more productive and happy you may be without the daily blurriness of astigmatism, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa, AL.