Astigmatism Glasses
Astigmatism is a condition where the eye’s cornea, or the lens in rarer cases, has an uneven curvature. This irregular slope causes light rays to be scattered unevenly, which may lead to blurry vision, poor night eyesight, and eye strain among other symptoms. If you have recently been diagnosed with astigmatism, learn all about astigmatism glasses in this guide.
Can Glasses Fix Astigmatism?
Yes, glasses can help correct astigmatism and support your eyesight. Astigmatism glasses work by properly refocusing light onto the eye’s retina through their corrective cylindrical lenses. These lenses are calibrated according to the astigmatism condition of the patient, which may differ in both eyes. Some astigmatism glasses can also have an additional prescription to correct near- or far-sightedness if needed by the patient.
How to Know You Need Glasses for Astigmatism
Patients may have different levels of astigmatism. To find out whether you need glasses for your case, you need to get checked by an optometrist. Book an appointment immediately, especially if you are already experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision at all distances, difficulty seeing at night, eye strain or headaches, and squinting.
During your appointment, your optometrist will let you know the severity of your astigmatism. For milder cases where the patient can still see clearly without blurry vision or other symptoms, glasses may not always be required. However, if your astigmatism is causing noticeable inconvenience in your daily life, you will most likely need astigmatism glasses.
What Level of Astigmatism Require Glasses?
Astigmatism ranges from mild to extreme and is measured in units called diopters (D).
- Mild astigmatism: 1.00 D or less.
- Moderate: 1.00 to 2.00 D.
- Severe: 2.00 to 4.00 D.
- Extreme: 4.00 D or more.
Generally, glasses for astigmatism are prescribed for moderate astigmatism and above. Those with mild astigmatism may not be required to wear glasses. However, this measure is not a fixed indicator. Sometimes, individuals do not realise the extent of their astigmatism until they sit for an eye examination. Your optometrist may still recommend glasses in their final prescription if astigmatism noticeably affects your vision.
Types of Glasses for Astigmatism
Your astigmatism glasses are made based on your prescription. Based on the lens type and frame style, several types of astigmatism glasses may be recommended to you:
Lens type and material
The common lens types available for astigmatism glasses are:
- CR-39 (standard plastic) lens: A lightweight standard lens that is usually recommended for mild astigmatism (1.00 D or less).
- Polycarbonate lens: A more impact-resistant lens that may suit those with more active lifestyles and moderate to severe cases of astigmatism (1.00 to 4.00 D).
- Trivex: Lightweight, supreme-quality lenses made of a urethane-based pre-polymer material for moderate to severe levels of astigmatism (1.00 to 4.00 D).
- High-index: Lightweight and thin lenses with a higher index of refraction, typically recommended for severe and extreme levels of astigmatism (2.00 to 4.00 D or more).
Keep in mind that if you have additional eye conditions, such as presbyopia, progressive lenses may be prescribed instead of regular ones. These lenses have different zones to help you view different distances and treat astigmatism simultaneously.
Lens coating
Astigmatism can cause distortions around lights that can be bothersome at night. Anti-reflective coating is usually added to astigmatism lenses to reduce glare and other distracting reflections that hinder clear vision. Alternatively, there are also polarised lenses that are particularly useful to reduce glare from horizontal light sources. These are especially ideal for those who often go driving.
For those with an active lifestyle, you may opt for lenses with scratch-resistant coating to prevent scratches that can otherwise interfere with clarity. Blue-light filtering coating can also help reduce digital eye strain and may alleviate headaches that are sometimes associated with astigmatism, particularly from prolonged viewing of electronic screens.
Frame Style
Patients with astigmatism can wear any style of glasses frame based on their preferences. However, the curved nature of wraparound frames may cause visual distortions. It is advised to choose frames with a flat front to avoid this issue. When trying different glasses frames, check if they fit securely on the bridge of your nose to keep your vision clear and focused.
Start Your Astigmatism Management Journey with Philip D. Izaac
Astigmatism glasses help manage the blurriness and eye strain associated with the condition. By having your eyes checked by a trusted optometrist, you can understand the exact level of your astigmatism and get glasses that are prescribed with the right corrective lenses.
Looking for a reputable and qualified optometrist to correct astigmatism in Singapore? Let Philip D. Izaac assist you with your eye health. Philip D. Izaac is an optometrist in Singapore that can help perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your condition. We also offer a wide range of quality and fashionable eyewear that supports your daily vision while ensuring that you find the one that suits your personal style. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!