Choosing the Right Contact Lenses for Astigmatism: A Guide for Young Adults

Q: Choosing the Right Contact Lenses for Astigmatism: A Guide for Young Adults

Hello： 1. <br>Regarding your current vision situation, your left eye has a myopia of -4.75 diopters, and your right eye has a myopia of -4.00 diopters with astigmatism of -1.25 diopters, which does not require special treatment. <br>2. <br>The degree of astigmatism is relatively

How to choose toric contact lenses for astigmatism?

Hello Doctor, I am currently 20 years old and will be turning 21 soon.
Recently, I measured my vision and found that my left eye has a myopia of -4.75 with no astigmatism, while my right eye has a myopia of -4.00 with astigmatism of -1.25.

1.
At my age of 20, do I still need to seek treatment for astigmatism?
2.
Will my astigmatism continue to increase?
3.
For my right eye, what prescription should I use for regular contact lenses? Is it correct that I need -4.00 as the optical shop suggested?
4.
Do I need to wear toric contact lenses for astigmatism, or can I just wear regular ones?
5.
Do I need to wear different prescriptions for my contact lenses in each eye? Should it be -4.50 for the left eye and -4.00 for the right eye?
Thank you, Doctor, for answering my questions.
🙏

La La, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/23

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
Regarding your current vision situation, your left eye has a myopia of -4.75 diopters, and your right eye has a myopia of -4.00 diopters with astigmatism of -1.25 diopters, which does not require special treatment.
2.
The degree of astigmatism is relatively stable, and if there are no other eye diseases, it should remain constant for quite a long time.
3.
The astigmatism measurement of -1.25 diopters in your right eye, along with the suggested -4.00 diopters from the optical shop, may be based on your myopia level, resulting in an approximate value after calculation; both -4.00 to -4.50 diopters are worth trying.
4.
Generally, in cases of significant astigmatism, toric contact lenses may be needed for better visual acuity.
You can try non-toric contact lenses, but if the vision is not clear, you will need to add astigmatism correction.
5.
Yes, based on the measurements you provided, your two eyes indeed require different prescriptions for contact lenses: -4.50 diopters for the left eye and -3.75 diopters with astigmatism of -1.25 diopters (or myopia of -4.00 to -4.50 diopters) for the right eye.

Reply Date: 2024/01/23

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding astigmatism and contact lenses. It's great that you're taking an active interest in your eye health. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Do you need treatment for astigmatism at 20 years old?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. At 20 years old, if your astigmatism is mild and not significantly affecting your daily activities, you may not require treatment beyond corrective lenses. However, if you experience discomfort, headaches, or significant visual disturbances, it would be wise to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

2. Will astigmatism increase?
Astigmatism can change over time, especially during periods of growth or hormonal changes, but it is not guaranteed to worsen. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor your vision and any changes in your prescription. If you notice any changes in your vision, it’s important to see an eye care professional.

3. What prescription should you use for your right eye with astigmatism?
The prescription for contact lenses can differ from that of glasses. For your right eye, which has a prescription of -4.00 for myopia and -1.25 for astigmatism, you would typically need a toric contact lens designed specifically for astigmatism. The eye care professional will determine the exact prescription based on your eye's curvature and other factors. The suggestion from the optical shop to wear -4.00 lenses may be for glasses, but you should confirm this with your eye doctor for contact lenses.

4. Do you need toric contact lenses for astigmatism?
Yes, if you have astigmatism, it is generally recommended to wear toric contact lenses. These lenses are designed to correct astigmatism by having different powers in different meridians of the lens, allowing for clearer vision. Regular spherical lenses may not provide adequate correction for astigmatism, leading to blurred vision.

5. Do you need different prescriptions for each eye?
Yes, based on your measurements, you will likely need different prescriptions for each eye. Your left eye has a prescription of -4.75 for myopia and no astigmatism, while your right eye has -4.00 for myopia and -1.25 for astigmatism. Therefore, your contact lenses should reflect these differences, and your eye care professional will provide the appropriate prescriptions.

In summary, it's crucial to have a comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs. They will help you determine the best type of contact lenses for your astigmatism and ensure that you have the correct prescription for each eye. Regular follow-ups are also important to monitor any changes in your vision.
If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask! Take care of your eye health!

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