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What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism can be confusing.  It is mistakenly called “stigmatism,” or "stigma".  This common vision problem can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or Ortho-K.  Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is a type of refractive condition related to the shape and size of the eye that causes blurred vision.  Astigmatism is a relatively common vision problem, but not too difficult to address.  Many people are relieved to learn that astigmatism is not an eye disease.

Uncorrected astigmatism can cause blurred vision, headaches, eyestrain and make objects at all distances appear distorted.  Lenses for astigmatism can be made in several different ways:

  • Soft Toric - these have the advantage of comfort but may not be as sharp as Gas Permeable lenses
  • Oxygen Breathing / Gas Permeable - these often provide the best correction and more clear vision for astigmatism
  • Synergeyes Hybrid contact lenses have a GP center and a soft periphery (outside part) to provide the clarity of gas permeable lenses and wearing comfort that is comparable to soft lenses.
  • Orthokeratology