
Bifocal contact lenses for astigmatism are useful for the people who are affected by both astigmatism and presbyopia. This article provides some information on the same.
Contact lenses are most commonly used in the field of vision correction and healing. They are used for treating or reducing effects of various eye problems and vision insufficiency issues. There are various types of contacts that are prescribed to treat the various eye problems. One of the common eye problems that is cured with the help of these is, astigmatism. It is a medical condition which is related with irregular shape of the cornea that leads to vision problems.
There are various types of astigmatism contacts that one can use. Presbyopia, on the other hand, which is an age-related eye disorder demands special type of the same. Till a few years ago, a person affected by both, astigmatism and presbyopia had to wear astigmatism contacts and specs. However, things have changed now, and one can opt for bifocal contact lenses for astigmatism and presbyopia.
Condition of Astigmatism and Presbyopia
Many people are affected by astigmatism, which is a corneal medical condition that causes irregular shape of the cornea. Due to this irregular shape, regular contacts are useless for such people and hence, they need to choose toric contact lenses that are of two main types, namely, soft toric contact lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. One can also find colored contacts that correct the vision and also provide a cosmetic appeal to one’s eyes. Presbyopia, which is a monovision problem, is a condition in which a person experiences blurred vision for closer objects, which is a common occurrence after the age of 40 years. To get relief from this vision problem, the affected person needs to wear near vision specs or contacts.
They also have a great option available in the form of bifocal contact lenses. These lenses have two focal points and are useful for both far away and nearer objects. There are two types, namely, alternating or translating vision bifocal lenses and simultaneous vision bifocal lenses. The simultaneous vision lenses have alternating concentric rings that prove helpful for myopia, as well as hypermetropia. The translating vision lenses on the other hand have the faraway focal point set right at the top of the lens. It means that when a person wearing them looks in the upward or forward direction, he ‘activates’ the distance power and when he looks downwards he sees nearer objects more clearly. These are not disposable ones and they are not available without prescription as well.
The Best Lenses
When an astigmatic person is affected by presbyopia, he/she either has to opt for bifocal eyeglasses or bifocal toric contact lenses for astigmatism. One would find both hard (RGP) and soft bifocal contacts for astigmatism. However, one needs to understand that bifocal translating vision lenses are often RGP lenses and the bifocal simultaneous vision lenses are soft lenses. However, one would not find disposable contacts with bifocal and toric properties. Bifocal toric contact lenses are specially designed lenses, with slight modification in the existing design of toric lenses.
Originally, toric lenses are heavier at the bottom, which stops their rotation inside the eye. However, toric bifocal lenses with RGP power are suitable to cure severe type of astigmatism and they also avoid rotation which causes problems in clear vision. Soft lenses are used for the treatment of minor type of the same. Another type that is prescribed for those with astigmatism and presbyopia are aspheric contact lenses. These are suitable for those of borderline astigmatism and presbyopia.
There are various popular brands that sell prescribed contacts for the two conditions. One would definitely get good deals in such brands. Some popular brands for bifocal toric lenses are Ciba Vision, Acuvue, Coopervision, etc. The best thing to do is to go through toric, as well as bifocal contact lenses reviews. That way, one would come to know of the best brand, which is usable for the two conditions. Furthermore, one can also find colored contacts for astigmatism, in the market. Always remember that these are for vision correction and hence, they are not ‘non-prescription contact lenses’. It means that one would require a prescription to purchase even the best colored contacts for such medical conditions.
On purchase of these contacts, one would also need to get updated about caring and cleaning of the same. That way, one would ensure maximum safety and convenience for themselves and their eyes.
Disclaimer: This WellnessKeen article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.