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.

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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 care professional can help find the right type of lenses for you.

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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 care professional 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 eye care professional 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.

EYELID 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 lens'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 2-Week for ASTIGMATISM

1-DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST for ASTIGMATISM

ACUVUE^® VITA^® for ASTIGMATISM

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Footnotes

*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.

#Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.
WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care professional for more information.

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 care professional. 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 care professional immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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