Understanding Astigmatism and Choosing the Right Glasses

With the myriad of eye problems that people face today, astigmatism is amongst the most common. It is an eye condition that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, which can cause blurry or distorted vision. However, this condition can be easily managed with the correct eyewear. Let’s dive into understanding astigmatism better and how to choose the most suitable glasses for this condition.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an eye condition that is often caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which is the clear, round dome covering the eye’s iris and pupil, or by the curvature of the eye’s lens. This irregular shape can prevent light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision.

• There are two main types of astigmatism: Corneal and Lenticular. Corneal astigmatism happens when the cornea is distorted while lenticular astigmatism is when the lens is distorted.
• Although astigmatism can be present from birth, it can also develop after an eye injury, disease, or surgery.
• Common symptoms include blurry vision, headaches, eyestrain, and difficulties with night vision.

One of the most efficient ways to manage astigmatism is through the use of corrective eyewear like glasses or contact lenses. In some instances, refractive surgery may also be considered.

Choosing the Right Glasses for Astigmatism

When it comes to choosing the correct glasses for astigmatism, the first step is always getting a comprehensive eye examination. This will allow your optometrist to accurately determine the degree of your astigmatism and prescribe the most suitable lenses for you. Most commonly, people with astigmatism will opt for glasses. Whichever glasses lens type you choose opt for anti-reflective coating to help with any distortion or starbursts around lights due to glare. When it comes to frames, it’s crucial to choose those that fit well and provide proper support for your lenses. At Zenni Optical, we offer a wide range of glasses from classic designer men’s glasses to trendy pink glasses that can accommodate a range of lens types.

Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Some will choose to use contact lenses to correct their astigmatism. There are two options with contact lenses – spherical and toric.

What are Spherical Contact Lenses?

Spherical lenses have the same degree of curvature over the entire surface of the lens. These are often prescribed for people with mild astigmatism.

What are Toric Contact Lenses?

Toric lenses have different degrees of curvature over different parts of the lens. This allows the lens to counteract the irregular shape of the cornea or lens in your eye. Toric lenses are typically recommended for moderate to high astigmatism.

Protecting Your Eyes

Apart from corrective eyewear, it’s also essential to protect your eyes from further harm. If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, consider investing in our blue light glasses to reduce digital eye strain. We offer a collection of men’s prescription sunglasses for sunny days.

Remember, regular eye check-ups are vital not only to keep your prescription updated but also to detect and treat any potential eye problems early on. At Zenni Optical, we are committed to providing you with high-quality, affordable eyewear to meet your individual needs and style.