One of the more common causes of visual impairments is uncorrected refractive errors , including astigmatism . Astigmatism is the imperfection in the curvature of the eyes that leads to blurred vision at a distance .

It is caused by corneas or lenses that have different shapes from normal ones .

“ There are two ways to correct astigmatism : glasses and contact lenses . There are two types of contact lenses as well . First , contact lenses with astigmatism , the other one is orthokeratology ,” said optometrist Jay Ong , the co-founder of EPL Optometrist .

Orthokeratology , or ortho-k , uses specially designed and fitted contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision . Ortho-k lenses are worn at night to reshape the cornea while the wearers sleep .

Ong said astigmatism was common , especially among primary school students and office-working adults . These two groups are more likely to be exposed to electronic devices that indirectly cause them to have dry eyes . They will rub their eyes frequently , and this may trigger astigmatism .

Practicing optometry for 10 years now , Ong has examined more than 10,000 pairs of eyes . He has been in the optical field for almost 16 years and co-founded EPL Optometrist with his classmate , EJ , back

in November 2014 . EPL Optometrist has three outlets in Penang and one in Kota Damansara in the Klang Valley .

Choosing the right contact lenses

Ong said astigmatism could affect a person ’ s quality of life . If not appropriately managed , astigmatism could cause keratoconus or accidents while driving . People with astigmatism will also experience headaches , eye strain and discomfort .

Sharing his experience managing patients with astigmatism , Ong remarked some patients were hesitant to wear contact lenses for astigmatism as they were more pricey than normal ones . One of his customers had high astigmatism but she refused to wear toric lenses even after Ong recommended them to her .

“ After diagnosing her , we let her try the lenses . She tried the lenses but declined to continue wearing them . However , after two weeks , she realised the difference between toric and regular lenses when she drove at night .

Jay Ong ( left ) with his business partner , EJ .

From left : Jay Ong , Xin Yu , Karen , Shan Qi , Neeta , Melinda and EJ .

“ With normal contact lenses , she felt the glare and halos coming from street and traffic lights . Also , cars coming from the opposite direction were causing her discomfort .”

After another two-day trial of wearing toric lenses , she decided to purchase them . “ At first , she tried daily ones , but they were quite expensive . So , we changed them to monthly ones , so she could save more . So , looking at this patient experience , it is about how we can get people to change their lifestyle by get the proper tools .”

Better view and clearer vision

Ong believes contact lenses give people a sense of freedom from glasses . It provides a clear vision and an unobstructed wider range of view compared to glasses .

Explaining his partnership with ACUVUE , Ong said : “ They are the only provider that has a couple of base curves lenses for us to fit our patients .”

The base curve is the back curvature of a contact lens used to determine the curvature of the lens to the eye to provide the best fit and comfort . The lower the number , the steeper the curve of the lens .

“ This means we can troubleshoot and manipulate the lenses to help patients . The optics zones of their lenses are quite big . So , they allow our patients to see better . They are a better fit and have clearer vision compared to other providers .” – The Health