Best Contact Lenses for Astigmatism and Dry Eyes

What Is Astigmatism?

This condition occurs when the cornea or lens is unevenly curved. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, causing distorted or blurry vision. Astigmatism can occur in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness, affecting one or both eyes. Symptoms of astigmatism include difficulty seeing clearly at any distance, eyestrain, and headache.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition when the eyes produce insufficient or unstable tears. Tears are necessary to keep the eyes moist and to wash away dust, dirt, and other irritants. The eyes can become uncomfortable, red, itchy, and blur vision when dry.

Various factors, including age, medications, environmental conditions, and certain medical conditions, can cause dry eye. Eye doctors can treat the disease with artificial tears, eye ointments, and certain medications. In severe cases, treatment may involve using unique contact lenses to increase tear retention.

What Are Specialized Contact Lenses?

Specialized contact lenses are designed for specific purposes or to address certain vision problems. Some examples of specialized contact lenses include: 

 

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses - Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, also known as GP lenses or hard contact lenses, are rigid contact lenses made of oxygen-permeable materials. They are more durable and resistant to deposit buildup than soft contact lenses, and generally give a clearer, crisper vision. They can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia
• Toric Lenses - Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, a condition that causes distorted or blurry vision. These lenses are shaped differently than regular contact lenses to better match the curvature of the eye and provide a more accurate vision correction. Soft lenses that are great for some patients with dry eye had historically only been available in spherical prescriptions but recently have been made as a toric
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses - Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses used to temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision. Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight while you sleep and removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses
• Scleral Contact Lenses - Scleral contact lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and can be used to correct severe vision problems such as keratoconus or to protect the eye after surgery. These lenses are filled with a saline solution that rests directly on the surface of the eye, providing a larger area of coverage and a more comfortable fit
• Extended Wear Contact Lenses - Extended wear contact lenses are contact lenses that can be worn for extended periods of time, typically for up to 6 nights and 7 days. These lenses are usually thinner than daily wear soft lenses and are made of silicone hydrogel material, which allows more oxygen to pass through to the eyes. Extended wear contact lenses are designed for long-term use and can be worn during the day, overnight, and for up to 30 days straight with some brands
• Hybrid Lenses - Hybrid lenses are special types of contacts. They feature a hard (rigid gas permeable) center surrounded by a soft ridge or skirt. Hybrid lenses offer excellent vision correction for patients with corneal astigmatism or presbyopia with astigmatism. The rigid center of the hybrid lens masks most, if not all, of the corneal irregularities, while the soft skirt offers more comfort and stability than a rigid lens. Hybrid lenses are also beneficial for people with glaucoma filtering blebs, as they provide a way to avoid compression by a scleral lens
• Multifocal Lenses - Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide vision correction for both near and far distances. These lenses are divided into two or more sections, each with a different power that works together to provide a clear vision in both distances. Multifocal contact lenses can be used to correct presbyopia, a condition that causes difficulty with close-up vision due to age-related changes in the eye

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are made of a rigid, gas-permeable material designed to rest on the sclera. They create a tear-filled space between the lens and the cornea. Eye doctors may use them to improve vision in people with other severe vision problems, such as extreme astigmatism or dry eye.

Why Scleral Lenses are Recommended for Patients with Astigmatism and Dry Eyes

Scleral Lenses are recommended for individuals with astigmatism due to their ability to correct the irregular shape of the cornea or the front surface of the eye caused by astigmatism. Unlike traditional gas permeable contact lenses, which only rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. This provides a number of benefits for individuals with astigmatism, including improved visual acuity, greater stability, and less lens rotation.

 

Scleral lenses are also recommended for individuals with dry eye because they are designed to be filled with a liquid prior to insertion, which creates a "tear reservoir" that can help to hydrate the eye throughout the day. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with dry eye because the liquid in the reservoir can act as a lubricant, reducing discomfort and improving overall eye health. Additionally, because the lens is not in direct contact with the cornea, it can help to reduce the risk of corneal irritation and inflammation, which is a common problem for individuals with dry eye. For patients with severe dry eye, serum tears can be added to the bowl of the scleral lens prior to insertion.

For more on the best contact lenses for astigmatism and dry eyes, contact Factoria Eye Clinic at our office in Bellevue, Washington State. Call (425) 641-2020 to book an appointment today.