Twitter Facebook Feed

Astigmatism Contact Lenses

Corrective astigmatism contact lenses, glasses, or surgery are three options ophthalmologists may choose to improve vision for individuals who have irregularly shaped cornea. A normal cornea has a symmetrical curvature; but in people who have astigmatism, the cornea has flat curves similar to a football, which affect the way light is transmitted or refracted through the eye. Blurred vision, fatigue, headaches, or seeing double or single lines are symptoms of astigmatism; and the condition may first occur at birth and gradually worsen. Parents may notice that their child has trouble focusing on objects, or adults may experience blurred vision at varying distances. The condition also exists whether an individual is nearsighted or farsighted. Many people go for years unaware that they have astigmatism, which can only be detected by a professional ophthalmologist and high-tech tools. While many people have the impairment, the good news is that vision can easily be corrected with toric lenses, uniquely crafted to fit the cornea and compensate for surface irregularities.

The evolution of contacts has enabled people with almost any type of visual impairment, except complete blindness, to see clearer. The first contacts on the market were made of rigid finely ground plastic which fit over the cornea, a transparent membrane covering the iris and the pupil. A vast improvement over eyeglasses, rigid or hard contacts can be difficult to place and are prone to scratch the delicate surface of the eye. The original plastic contacts were also difficult to stay in place, especially for people with astigmatism. Additionally, their rigidity prevented the optimum amount of oxygen to reach the surface of the eye, resulting in microscopic debris and bacteria trapped beneath its surface. Today's versions, including astigmatism contact lenses, are soft, pliable, and made from a plastic polymer which feels like a second skin and floats easily over the cornea, conforming more readily to the eye's unique curvature. Soft lenses stay moist longer than rigid varieties; and ophthalmologists can craft them to conform to any irregularities.

Astigmatism contact lenses are fitted through two high-tech processes: corneal topography and keratometry. Corneal topography utilizes space-age technology to collect miniscule measurements of the shape of the cornea while patients focus. These finely calibrated measurements form a microscopic grid of the steep grades and flat surfaces of the astigmatic eye. The process creates a computer-generated digital map which is used to accurately fit lenses or in preparation for laser eye surgery. The result is a model that exactly duplicates the irregular surfaces of the cornea that technicians can use to make precisely formed one-of-a-kind contacts. A keratometry machine also extracts accurate corneal measurements and provides the doctor with minute data to correct vision problems with surgery or astigmatism contact lenses. Eye surgery is an extremely delicate procedure which requires utmost accuracy. One wrong move can cause scarring of the cornea, permanent visual impairment, or at the very worst, blindness. But researchers have perfected highly-calibrated and exacting tools, such as the keratometry machine, to perfect the science of enabling people to see clearer. Just as ophthalmologists work to heal blurred vision, so has God given us His Son, Jesus Christ, to open spiritually blinded eyes to the truth of the gospel. "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (II Corinthians 4:3-4).

While conventional refractive eyeglasses can also be used to correct blurred vision and irregular corneal curvature; individuals that are active, work with detailed paperwork, or have trouble remembering where they've misplaced eyewear may prefer astigmatism contact lenses. Athletes, actresses, media and on-air personalities, accountants, bookkeepers, administrative assistants, and designers may prefer the hands-free convenience of wearing contacts rather than fumbling with glasses. Rigid or soft versions are relatively easy to wear; and soft versions come in extended wear and disposable varieties. The process for getting fitted using high-tech tools is more costly than eyeglass fitting and prescriptions; but no one can argue against a face unobstructed by cumbersome frames with near-perfect vision. Some individuals choose contacts for practicality; however many choose wearing them rather than being called "four eyes." Whatever the reason, specially constructed, one-of-a-kind lenses that correct blurred vision and enhance natural beauty are, to some, well worth the price.

Although contacts provide an advantage over conventional frames, astigmatism contact lenses still must be properly maintained; and the cost of disposable varieties can add up over time. Wearers may develop bacterial infections caused by using the hands to place astigmatism contact lenses. Individuals may become prone to infection if extended-wear versions are not removed or kept sufficiently moist. Lenses are designed to rotate at each blink of the eye; however corneal curvatures in people with astigmatism may differ in each eye. Some individuals are also nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in another. The solution is to have the optometrist take separate measurements for each cornea and make modifications to compensate for varying vision problems.

Those who choose to wear astigmatism contact lenses may eventually opt for laser eye surgery. Corrective eyewear is not cheap; and constant maintenance can become problematic, especially for active adults. Laser in-situ keratomileusis, better known as LASIK, is a popular procedure enjoyed by millions of people who have astigmatism or other vision impairment. Unlike rigid or soft contacts, which must be continually maintained and replaced, LASIK corrects the vision more permanently. As researchers continue to explore new ways to correct and enhance less than 20/20 vision, the need for special appliances may eventually be eliminated. But the future continues to look bright for those who are born with or develop impaired vision.

0 коммент.:

Отправить комментарий