Can contact lenses correct astigmatism?

Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Contact lenses can be prescribed with a certain degree of astigmatism correction. If the astigmatism is less than 100 degrees, it can be converted into half of the spherical degree to create a prescription, and standard contact lenses can be worn to see clearly. If the astigmatism is greater than 100 degrees but less than 300 degrees, it is necessary to first prescribe sufficient spherical degree, then determine the astigmatism's axis and degree, and manufacture special astigmatic contact lenses. Wearing these can be more comfortable and provide clearer vision. Generally, very high degrees of astigmatism cannot be corrected with contact lenses, and wearing frame glasses is required instead.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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How to protect eyes with astigmatism

Some patients have congenital astigmatism, while most of the patients have acquired astigmatism. The occurrence of astigmatism is mostly due to improper sitting posture. It is caused by looking at objects from an inclined angle rather than directly from the eyes' proper axis. Especially lying down while reading or using smartphones can easily lead to an increase in astigmatism. If astigmatism is not corrected, it can easily worsen eye fatigue, thereby inducing a further increase in the degree of vision problems. In daily life, it is important to correct poor sitting postures and avoid situations such as lying down while reading or using smartphones. Engage more in outdoor activities, and limit reading sessions to no more than half an hour at a time. Consuming more vitamins A, D, C, E, and lutein in the diet can also help in preventing astigmatism.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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What should I do if I have astigmatism in my eyes?

Astigmatism should be corrected by wearing astigmatic lenses. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error where the refractive power of the eye varies along different axes, resulting in a refractive abnormality. Particularly with high degrees of astigmatism, there may be symptoms such as blurred vision, distorted vision, or even eye fatigue. Therefore, once astigmatism is detected, it is important to visit a hospital for a medical eye examination promptly. It is recommended that astigmatism of 50 to 75 degrees or more should be timely corrected with glasses, otherwise prolonged uncorrected astigmatism can lead to severe eye fatigue. Additionally, if adult patients have other refractive errors such as myopia along with astigmatism, they could also consider undergoing laser surgery for myopia correction.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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What will happen if children's astigmatism is not treated?

If children with astigmatism do not receive treatment, the specific consequences will depend on the severity of the astigmatism. If a child has only mild astigmatism and does not exhibit any other clinical symptoms, treatment might not be necessary, and it will not impact the child's vision. However, if the astigmatism is severe, it is necessary to wear corrective lenses for astigmatism; otherwise, it may lead to a decrease in both far and near vision. This is especially true for compound and mixed astigmatism, which can cause a significant decline in a child's vision, and often results in visual fatigue. Children may exhibit symptoms such as eye pain, orbital pain, monocular diplopia, or tearing. Additionally, there may also be occurrences of compensatory head tilting and torticollis.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Are there any treatments for high myopia and high astigmatism?

High myopia combined with high astigmatism can be treated in the following ways: First, correction by wearing frame glasses is the most widely adopted treatment method currently, which is affordable and safe. Second, using rigid corneal contact lenses for correction, which provide higher image quality than regular frame glasses. Third, correction can be done through laser surgery, such as excimer laser surgery, femtosecond laser surgery, and full femtosecond laser surgery, but it is only suitable for adult patients. Fourth, correction can be accomplished by implanting phakic intraocular lenses in the posterior chamber, generally suitable for patients whose corneal condition does not permit laser surgery, at a higher cost compared to laser surgery.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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What foods should be eaten for astigmatism?

For astigmatism, it is important in daily life to consume a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and carotenes, such as meat, eggs, dairy, various fresh fruits and vegetables, and carrots. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods. If astigmatism occurs, it is important to visit a hospital for an optometric examination promptly. If there is significant astigmatism, it should be corrected with glasses based on a medical optometric examination, as uncorrected astigmatism can lead to severe eye strain over time.