You have correction options—some more permanent that others

The way your Eye Care Professional treats or corrects your astigmatism depends on a few factors, like your lifestyle and how severe your astigmatism is. The most common ways that Eye Care Professionals correct astigmatism—with glasses or contact lenses—are not permanent. When you stop wearing your vision correction, you will still experience the visual impact of astigmatism. But there are more permanent options, like laser surgery.
Below, we’ll go more in depth into the treatment options, which include:

  • Contact lenses
  • Glasses
  • Orthokeratology
  • Laser and other refractive surgery

Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Contact lenses work in a similar way to glasses—they work to refocus light so that you can see more clearly. That said, there are two main types of contact lenses for astigmatism.

Toric (soft) contact lenses

The name “toric” comes from the shape of the lens, which has two different curves to correct the rugby ball-shaped cornea and/or lens that a patient with astigmatism has. Toric contact lenses are tailored to a person’s unique astigmatism, depending on how severe it is, how the astigmatism is oriented in the eye, and any other vision problems a person may have

Toric RGP (rigid gas permeable)

This type of lens may work better for people with high levels of astigmatism or for people with irregular astigmatism. The trade-off is they’re thicker and more rigid, so they take some getting used to, and since they’re custom-made, the up-front costs tend to be higher.

Glasses for astigmatism

A woman wearing glasses sits reading a newspaper while she holds a blue coffee mug

One of the most common ways to improve vision if you have astigmatism is with glasses. These glasses have a toric lens, which is a slightly differently shaped lens made specifically for people with astigmatism. Glasses are easy—you just put them on when you need them—but they're not permanent. When you’re not wearing them, you’ll still experience the vision challenges of astigmatism.

Orthokeratology for astigmatism

A close-up of a contact lens resting on an extended finger, with a blue sweater visible in the background

Orthokeratology is a big word for a treatment that temporarily reshapes the cornea. Think: A mold that adjusts the cornea to a shape that provides clearer vision. Patients who use orthokeratology lenses wear them for limited periods of time—typically overnight—and then remove them to enjoy temporarily clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. The corrected cornea shape is temporary and will eventually return to its original shape.

Laser and other surgeries

A hand grips a joystick attached to a screen with a pupil visible within crosshairs during eye surgery

Surgery is a more lasting way to correct astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea or replacing the lens, depending on what is affected by astigmatism. One of the most widely recognized versions is LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis.

Find the right solution for you

Only your Eye Care Professional can help determine what options are right for your unique eyes. If you aren’t sure if you have astigmatism, or if you are curious what your correction options are, schedule an eye test.

Why choose ACUVUE® for astigmatism?

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Last updated 18/06/2024
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