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Both children and adults can suffer from a common vision problem called an astigmatism. Near and farsightedness have no bearing on whether or not one will have an astigmatism - it can affect anyone. Glasses or contact lenses for astigmatism can be worn to correct the problem.

Astigmatism is caused by an irregularity in the cornea. The cornea should be round, but it is more oval in shape when one has an astigmatism. Genetics is the most common cause of astigmatism. It is hereditary - it is not at all uncommon to have family members who also have an astigmatism. Another source is injury to the eye that causes the cornea to have excessive scarring. Some eye surgeries and thinning of the cornea are also responsible for astigmatisms. An astigmatism causes vision to be a little bit blurred. When an astigmatism is not properly corrected, it can have a negative effect on the body, causing headaches and eye strain.

It is important to schedule regular annual eye exams because it can worsen over time, so it is necessary to keep a close watch and adjust prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses as needed. Both glasses and contact lenses are usually suitable corrections for an astigmatism. Sometimes, it is so severe that contact lenses cannot be used, however, that is not normally the case.

In the past, contact lens wearers with an astigmatism had few options. One option was to go back to wearing glasses. Another option was to wear less comfortable hard or rigid gas permeable lenses. The other choice was to simply live with it, risking the adverse effects of headaches and strain on the eye.

Within the last decade, Acuvue has developed two great types of contact lenses for astigmatism. Lenses that correct astigmatism are called toric lenses. Toric lenses are fabricated out of the same things as normal lenses, however the design is different. They have special features that make them perfect for patients with an astigmatism.

Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism is one option released by Acuvue in 2004. Specific features of these lenses include Hydraclear Technology and Accelerated Stabilization Design. Hydraclear Technology allows lenses to remain more moist, which keeps them more comfortable. Accelerated Stabilization Design is a characteristic that keeps the lens properly positioned on the eye. When the wearer moves the eye to look around, or blinks, the lens is designed to automatically realign itself into the correct place.

The newest lens offered by Acuvue is the Oasys for Astigmatism lens. They are very similar to the Advance lenses, as they also have the Accelerated Stabilization Design and Hydraclear Technology. One difference is the amount of time that they can be worn continuously. Advance lenses need to be taken out each evening, but Oasys lenses can be worn for six consecutive nights before needed to be removed from the eye. This is because more oxygen is able to move through the lenses and reach the eye.

Having an astigmatism is not cheap. The costs related to the exam and the lenses themselves are much greater than those for regular contact lenses and exams. It is more expensive to have an exam for an astigmatism because it requires the doctor to measure more parts of the eye more precisely. This takes more of the doctor’s time, and thus, more of your money. The lenses that correct the astigmatism are also more pricey because they are more complicated to manufacture. Even though it is costly to have an astigmatism, having comfortable contact lenses for astigmatism that are the exact right prescription is priceless to many.

Searching for cheap acuvue contact lenses? Then visit the premiere online retailer of Acuvue contacts, including Acuvue oasys for astigmatism and Acuvue Advance for astygmatism lenses.