on your vision , pupil reaction , and cornea shape

“ You need to be diagnosed carefully . Optometrists with appropriate instruments can diagnose you accurately on whether you have astigmatism or not .”

Contact lenses for astigmatism

Astigmatism cannot be cured and may even progress with age . But , it can be corrected using glasses with specialised lenses tailored according to one ’ s severity . And now , with the latest innovations and continuous research and development ( R & D ) from many multinational optical and eyewear companies , specialised contact lenses for astigmatism are also available .

Chan shared that contact lenses can achieve more as they can realign the cornea and be used at night to reshape your cornea again .

There are different modalities of contact lenses for astigmatism in the market depending on preferences , such as daily or bi-weekly disposable lenses , and severity ,

either harder contact lenses for severe astigmatism or softer contact lenses for less severe stigmatism .

He highlighted : “ Both Acuvue Moist and Acuvue Oasys contact lenses are exceptional for astigmatism correction . I recommend them to most of my patients and I ’ ve received positive feedback so far .

“ The Acuvue Moist Astigmatism lenses , which have a long-lasting cushion of moisture , are extremely comfortable , even for first time users .

“ The Acuvue Oasys Astigmatism lenses are silicon hydrogel-based lenses , which allow more oxygen to reach the cornea .” He added that both Acuvue lenses have an eye lid stabiliser design , which minimises shifting of the lenses and allows the wearers to have better stable vision all day long . They also provide UV protection .

Get lenses from professional practitioners

Chan emphasised that contact lenses should not be bought from just anywhere . They must be prescribed only after an accurate diagnosis by a qualified optometrist .

Sharing a patient ’ s experience , he said : “ Our practice was referred to see a 21-yearold woman , who had been wearing contact lenses since her teens and had complaints about slight blurry vision .”

Upon proper investigation and eye examination , it was found that she did not have optimum vision , especially during the second half of the day and suffered from headache .

“ We then prescribed her with new

Astigmatism can start from infancy . So , we usually advise that if you notice any peculiar habits or tilting of a young child ’ s head , as early as six months old , it is good to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specialises in children .”

– Datuk Murphy Chan

contact lenses which suited her condition . After putting it on , she agreed she had better vision .

“ She came back one week later , saying she could drive better and feels less tired after using the new lenses .”

“ When we talk about contact lenses for astigmatism or any other eye problems , it is not just about the clarity . We , as responsible practitioners , also emphasise the confidence that you ’ re getting from the correct and suitable contact lenses .”

“ So , please remember to go for your regular checks because what worked last year may not work this year ,” Chan advised .

Eyecon Optometry Network

Eyecon Optometry are equipped with the latest eye care equipment . This enables them to provide comprehensive eye test services such as clear vision , eye pressure , and eye health .

“ We believe in innovation because we believe everyone has their own style . For example , before new developments in eyewear , there was a limited choice of glasses . Today , you can customise the eyewear that you want according to your lifestyle .

“ We are also involved in research and trials conducted by multinational optical and eyewear companies .

Eyecon Optometry also owns a mobile vision ambulance that provides public education on eye health and essential screening services .

The latest venture at Mahkota Specialist Melaka aims to address the rising eye problems focusing on early prevention and correction among children . — The Health

WITH A perfectly shaped round eyeball , the light enters , bends evenly and focuses on the retina , which gives you a clear and sharp view .

Astigmatism , on the other hand , is a condition whereby the eyeball shape is no longer perfectly round , when the cornea or lens is curved more steeply in one direction than in another .

When the curvature of the eyeball is stretched or curved , the light is refracted or bent in different directions , rather onto the retina directly , which results in blurred distance and near vision .

When the cornea has mismatched curves , then one has corneal astigmatism . Meanwhile , lenticular astigmatism is when the lens has

mismatched curves . Either type of astigmatism can cause blurred vision . Blurred vision may occur more in one direction , either horizontally , vertically or diagonally .

Causes and diagnosis

For most , astigmatism is present from birth . It may also develop after an eye injury , disease or surgery .

Astigmatism , however , isn ’ t caused or made worse by reading in poor light , sitting too close to the television or squinting .

It is advised to visit an eye care

specialist or optometrist when there are noticeable changes in one ’ s vision such as blurred or distorted vision , eye strain or tightness , headaches , difficulty with night vision and squinting .

With a comprehensive eye examination , eye specialists or optometrists can determine whether you have astigmatism and to what degree . They can then advise options to correct your vision .

Treatment

Almost all cases of astigmatism can

be corrected with glasses or contact lenses .

Eyeglass lenses and contact lenses make the light bend into your eye properly .

Contact lenses are available in a variety of types and styles , including disposable soft ; extended wear ; rigid , gas permeable ; and bifocal .

For normal level astigmatism , doctors or optometrists will probably prescribe special soft contact lenses , while for those with much severe astigmatism , they will be prescribed with a harder or rigid contact lenses . Orthokeratology is a procedure whereby one wears Ortho-K contact lenses while they sleep , and it reshapes the cornea .

There is also option for refractive surgery , whereby eye surgeon uses a laser beam to reshape the curves of the cornea , which corrects the refractive error . Refractive surgery improves vision and reduces the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses .

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