Learn More About Astigmatism
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round, like a basketball, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a football. This irregularity causes light to be focused on multiple points in the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism can occur in combination with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), and can vary in severity.
What Does Astigmatism Look Like?
Individuals with astigmatism often experience visual distortions that can make everyday activities challenging. Images may appear stretched out or blurred, and straight lines can look wavy or slanted. These distortions can significantly impact reading, driving, and other tasks that require clear vision. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or fuzzy vision at all distances
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eyestrain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Squinting to see clearly/reduce glare
Does Astigmatism Affect Night Time Driving?
Yes, astigmatism can particularly affect night-time driving. Reduced light levels at night can exacerbate the symptoms of astigmatism, making it harder to see clearly. People with astigmatism often experience:
- Glare and halos around lights
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights
- Difficulty focusing on objects in low light conditions
These symptoms can make night driving more dangerous, as the ability to judge distances and recognize road signs is impaired. It’s important for individuals with astigmatism to take extra precautions and ensure their vision is adequately corrected when driving at night.
Lenses for Night Time Driving
Personalized lenses like the HOYA EnRoute or Zeiss DriveSafe both offer contrast enhancing filters combined with superior digital optics to enhance your vision in low light scenarios like driving at night. These lenses are designed with a digital surfacing technology to make the most effective pair of glasses with your astigmatism correction, allowing a safer and more comfortable driving experience. These lenses come in single vision (distance correct only) or progressive designs to correct vision for anyone that requires the best vision for driving at night.
How Can I Correct Astigmatism?
Without intervention, astigmatism does not often improve and the condition will either remain stable or deteriorate as you age. Occasionally, astigmatism can improve over time, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses to correct it. Depending on the severity of the condition, and individual preferences, there are several effective methods to correct astigmatism:
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are the simplest and most common way to correct astigmatism. Special lenses, called toric lenses, are designed to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens and help focus light properly on the retina, providing clear vision.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can also correct astigmatism. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to address the unique curvature of the eye, offering a comfortable and effective solution for many people. Soft contact lenses may be a good choice for individuals with a minor astigmatism.
Hard shell contacts, such as Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are another option, particularly for those with a higher astigmatism, providing sharper vision by maintaining their shape on the eye.
Laser Eye Surgery
For those seeking a more permanent solution, laser eye surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) can reshape the cornea, correcting the irregular curvature and improving vision. This option is suitable for many, but not all, individuals with astigmatism, and a thorough evaluation by an eye care professional is necessary to determine eligibility.
Digital Custom Lenses for Astigmatism: Hoya MySV
One of the most advanced solutions for correcting astigmatism is the use of digital custom lenses. Hoya MySV lenses, available from Hoya Vision Canada, are an excellent example of this cutting-edge technology. These lenses are designed using sophisticated digital surfacing techniques to create a customized solution tailored to the wearer’s unique vision needs.
Hoya MySV lenses provide several benefits:
- Precision: Customized to the exact curvature of your eyes for optimal correction.
- Clarity: Enhanced visual clarity, reducing distortions and improving overall vision quality.
- Comfort: Designed to offer a comfortable fit, minimizing eyestrain and fatigue.
- Adaptability: Suitable for various frame styles and personal preferences.
By using advanced digital customization, Hoya MySV lenses ensure that individuals with astigmatism receive the most precise and effective correction possible, improving their quality of life and daily visual experiences.
Astigmatism is a manageable condition with the right corrective measures. Whether through eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser surgery, or advanced digital lenses like Hoya MySV, clear and comfortable vision is attainable for those affected by astigmatism. Always consult with an eye care professional to determine the best correction method for your specific needs.