What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism happens when the eye is not perfectly round, causing light to focus unevenly. This can lead to:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Ghosting or shadowing
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Eye strain and headaches
- Reduced sharpness even with glasses
For people with high astigmatism, simple daily tasks such as driving, sports, and screen use, can become tiring if not fully corrected.
Common Problems For High Astigmatism
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Limited Contact Lens Options
Up until recently, people with high astigmatism often had very few choices for contact lenses - yearly soft lenses or hard lenses. Disposable soft lenses were not typically an option.
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Sports Sunglasses Usually Cannot Provide Full Correction
One of the biggest frustrations we hear from active people with high astigmatism is that wrap-around sports sunglasses often cannot accommodate strong astigmatism prescriptions directly.
This means many end up:
- Using weaker prescriptions
- Accepting blurry peripheral vision
- Avoiding sports eyewear altogether
For athletes and active individuals, this can be incredibly limiting.
- Using weaker prescriptions
The Good News: Better Options Now Exist
At Kacee Eyecare, we actively look for solutions for those who were previously told “cannot.”
Technology has improved significantly over the years, especially for high astigmatism correction.
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Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses For High Astigmatism
Monthly disposable soft contact lenses are now available for higher astigmatism powers. These lenses often provide: greater comfort and more convenient replacement schedules.
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Sports Eyewear Solutions With Full Prescription Correction
One solution is the use of Optical Docks and Optical Inserts. An example are those from Rudy Project.
These systems allow prescription lenses to sit behind the curved sports shield, helping many achieve clearer and more accurate correction, even with higher astigmatism prescriptions.
This can be especially useful for:
- Cyclists
- Runners
- Outdoor athletes
- Active children
- Those who struggle with conventional wrap-around prescriptions
- Cyclists
Multifocal Contact Lenses For High Astigmatism
For people above 40, high astigmatism can become even more frustrating when reading vision starts to decline. Multifocal contact lenses, especially with astigmatism correction, are more technically demanding than regular contact lens fitting. Every eye behaves differently and success depends on individual factors such as:
- Pupil size
- Tear film quality
- Corneal shape
- Prescription stability
- Daily visual demands
That is why proper assessment and fitting are important. At Kacee Eyecare, we work closely with you to find the best balance between: sharpness, comfort, stability, and everyday usability.
Types of Multifocal Lenses for Astigmatism
The type of contact lenses suitable for you
depends on your prescription, eye condition, and visual demands.
The various options available are:
- Multifocal soft contact lenses with astigmatism correction
- Advanced hard lens designs for more complex prescriptions
Frequently Asked Questions About High Astigmatism
What is considered high astigmatism?
There is no strict definition, but astigmatism above around -2.00D is generally considered moderate to high.
Can high astigmatism be fully corrected?
Yes, high astigmatism can be fully corrected with glases. However, that may not mean that vision is as sharp as someone without high astigmatism.
Contact lenses such as soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, scleral lenses usually give better vision than spectacles for high astigmatism.
Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have high astigmatism?
Yes, that is a possibility.
Today, newer monthly disposable toric lenses are available in higher astigmatism. If you previously required yearly custom lenses, call us to check if you now have more convenient monthly options available.
A proper fitting is still important, as lens stability and vision quality can vary between individuals.
Are daily disposable contact lenses available for high astigmatism?
Availability depends on your prescription.
For lower astigmatism levels, daily disposable toric lenses are commonly available. However, patients with higher astigmatism often require monthly or customised lens designs because the prescription range is more limited.
Will I need hard contact lenses?
Not always. However hard lenses are still sometimes recommended for very high astigmatism, irregular corneas, keratoconus, or in cases where soft lenses do not provide clear vision.
Why are wrap-around sports sunglasses difficult for high astigmatism?
Curved sports frames can distort stronger prescriptions, especially with high astigmatism. This may lead to peripheral distortion and lens thickness issues.
Therefore we like the Rudy Project sunglasses where optical inserts or optical docks are helpful.
What are Rudy Project Optical Docks or Optical Inserts?
These are prescription insert systems designed for sports eyewear.
Instead of placing a strong prescription directly onto a highly curved sports shield, the prescription sits on an internal optical insert behind the shield.
This allows those with high astigmatism to achieve better visual correction while still enjoying the benefits of sports eyewear.
Can I wear multifocal contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes, multifocal contact lenses with astigmatism are available. The options are hard (RGP), soft, hybrid, or scleral lenses.
These lenses are more complex to fit and may require trial fitting and fine adjustments.
Can astigmatism worsen over time?
Astigmatism can change gradually over time, although the amount varies between individuals.
Significant or rapid changes should always be assessed properly to rule out underlying eye conditions.
Can children have high astigmatism?
Yes. Children can have moderate or high astigmatism, and uncorrected astigmatism may affect visual development and learning. Early eye examinations are important, especially if a child frequently squints, tilts their head, or complains of blurred vision.