Astigmatism — causes, symptoms, treatments

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is blurry or distorted vision caused by an abnormal curvature of the eye's surface.

Your eye works best when its surface is round like a basketball, but with astigmatism, it's shaped more like a football. This shape makes it more difficult to focus the light coming in to your eye.

Astigmatism is common. Some are born with it, some develop it over time, and some experience it after an eye injury or eye surgery. In most cases, it can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Types of astigmatism contacts can address

Regular

The cornea is curved more in one direction than another, which creates two focal points in your eye rather than one. We offer contact lenses that can address this type of astigmatism.

See ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Irregular

Less common than regular astigmatism, the curvature of the eye's surface is uneven, or curved in multiple directions. While ACUVUE^® does not offer contact lenses that address irregular astigmatism, it can be addressed with rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Your eye doctor can help find the right type of lenses for you.

Symptoms of astigmatism

Blurry or distorted vision at all distances
Eyestrain
Headaches

Eye fatigue

Squinting
Difficulty seeing at night

An eye doctor performing a vision test with a phoropter.

Detection and diagnosis

Your eye doctor can diagnose astigmatism during your annual eye exam by measuring how your eyes focus. Be sure to share your concerns or blurry vision at that time. If you need vision correction, your doctor will be able to provide you with a prescription.

Two women smiling directly into the direction of the camera.

How to correct astigmatism

Astigmatism can typically be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. To correct for astigmatism with contact lenses, a “toric” lens is required. This kind of lens has two curves made specifically to correct for the multiple focal points.

Why choose ACUVUE^® for astigmatism?

Clear vision near and far

Contacts provide unobstructed sight and correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

BLINK STABILIZED^{^®} Design

For astigmatism, it’s extremely important that your lenses stay in place for clear vision. Ours realigns with every blink.

Great for active lifestyles

Your vision stays clear and stable as you run, jump and twist. And unlike glasses, there's no risk of breaking contacts.

Apply and remove hassle free

Due to the contact len's design, it can't be put on upside down like most other lenses for astigmatism.

UV protection^#

ACUVUE offers UV blocking^# across its entire line of contact lenses, including those for astigmatism.

ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses made for astigmatism

ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day contact lenses with HydraLuxe Technology for Astigmatism 30-Pack

ACUVUE^® OASYS 1-DAY with HydraLuxe^™ TECHNOLOGY for ASTIGMATISM

ACUVUE® OASYS contact lenses for Astigmatism with HYDRACLEAR®Plus 6-Pack

ACUVUE^® OASYS 2-Week for ASTIGMATISM

1-DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST for ASTIGMATISM

Footnotes

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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