Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing light to focus on more than one spot on the retina. This results in distorted or blurry vision at all distances. Astigmatism often occurs along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. There are many different types of contact lenses available to correct astigmatism, including toric lenses and multifocal lenses. Air Optix Colors is a brand of contact lenses made by Ciba Vision that comes in a variety of tint colors. But can these fashionable lenses also correct astigmatism?
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curve, causing light rays to focus at more than one spot on the retina rather than a single point. This results in blurred vision at all distances. Objects may appear distorted or stretched out. Astigmatism is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Less commonly, it can also occur from an irregularity in the lens of the eye.
There are two main types of astigmatism:
- Corneal astigmatism – Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea
- Lenticular astigmatism – Caused by an irregularity in the lens inside the eye
Astigmatism often occurs together with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). People with astigmatism may have blurry vision at all distances without correction.
What are Air Optix Colors?
Air Optix Colors are a type of soft contact lens made by Ciba Vision, now a part of Alcon. Air Optix Colors lenses come in a variety of vibrant tint colors to change the appearance of your eyes. Some of the available colors include aqua, blue, green, brown, hazel, and more.
Air Optix Colors lenses are made of a silicone hydrogel material called lotrafilcon B. This material allows oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea. Air Optix Colors lenses can be worn for up to 2 weeks of continuous wear or 6 nights of overnight wear before replacement is needed.
In addition to the color tints, Air Optix Colors lenses also offer UV protection to help shield eyes from ultraviolet radiation. The lenses are designed to be breathable and comfortable for vision correction.
Can Air Optix Colors Correct Astigmatism?
Yes, certain Air Optix Colors contact lenses can be prescribed to correct astigmatism. The brand offers toric lenses that are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
Air Optix Colors Astigmatism (Toric) lenses are available for both nearsightedness with astigmatism and farsightedness with astigmatism. The toric design has different curves and axes in the lens to correct for the irregular cornea shape causing blurred vision.
To fit Air Optix Colors Astigmatism contact lenses, your eye doctor will determine your precise prescription and measurements for astigmatism correction. This includes the axis, base curve, diameter, and power needed for clear vision.
Benefits of Air Optix Colors for Astigmatism
Here are some of the benefits of choosing Air Optix Colors toric lenses to correct astigmatism:
- Provide crisp, clear vision by correcting astigmatism
- Toric design specifically fits the shape of the astigmatic cornea
- Silicone hydrogel material allows oxygen to reach the eyes
- Offer UV protection
- Weekly or monthly replacement options
- Variety of vivid color tints available
- Breathable and comfortable to wear
Air Optix Colors Astigmatism Options
Air Optix Colors Astigmatism lenses come in both spherical and toric designs to match your specific vision needs:
- Spherical lenses – Correct nearsightedness or farsightedness only
- Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism and nearsightedness or farsightedness
Within both designs, there are options for different wearing schedules and replacement frequencies:
| Lens Type | Replacement |
|---|---|
| Air Optix Colors Astigmatism | 2 weeks continuous wear |
| Air Optix Colors Astigmatism for Presbyopia | Monthly |
| Air Optix Night & Day Aqua | Monthly |
Your eye doctor will help determine the most appropriate Air Optix Colors Astigmatism lens type and replacement schedule for your eyes and vision needs.
How Air Optix Colors Toric Lenses Correct Astigmatism
Air Optix Colors Astigmatism toric lenses are specially designed to correct the blurred vision caused by corneal astigmatism. Here’s how they work:
- The back surface of the toric lens has different curvatures and axes fit to the shape of your irregular cornea.
- This corrects the distorted light focus caused by the astigmatic cornea.
- Light is then able to focus on a single point on the retina for crisp, clear vision.
- The tinted color hides the astigmatic correction by making the eyes appear uniformly colored.
The precise measurements and positioning of the toric lens corrects the corneal irregularity to provide sharp focus and unblurry vision at all distances.
Caring for Air Optix Colors Astigmatism Lenses
Caring properly for your Air Optix Colors Astigmatism contact lenses is important for keeping your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. Here are some tips for lens care and hygiene:
- Clean your lenses each time you remove them with contact lens solution.
- Rub and rinse the lenses to remove buildup and disinfect.
- Use fresh contact lens solution each time you store your lenses.
- Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
- Don’t sleep in your lenses unless prescribed for overnight wear.
- Keep your lenses moist in contact lens solution when not being worn.
- Replace your lenses regularly as prescribed.
- Don’t expose lenses to water and avoid tap water when rinsing.
- Have regular eye exams to ensure your prescription is accurate.
Proper lens hygiene and replacement is key to maintaining comfort, eye health and safety when wearing Air Optix Colors Astigmatism contact lenses.
Risks and Side Effects
Air Optix Colors Astigmatism contact lenses are generally safe and well-tolerated when used properly and cared for as prescribed. However, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of, including:
- Eye irritation or infection from poor hygiene
- Corneal abrasion from overwearing lenses
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Red or dry eyes
- Halos or glare around lights
- Discomfort or foreign body sensation
- Itchy eyes
See your eye doctor immediately if you experience severe eye pain, light sensitivity, discharge or sudden vision changes. Proper fit, use and care is essential in minimizing complications.
Who Should Avoid Air Optix Toric Lenses?
Those with certain eye conditions or sensitivities may not be suitable candidates for Air Optix Colors Astigmatism contact lenses. Your doctor can best advise if you should avoid these lenses if you have:
- Severe dry eyes
- Recurring eye infections
- Corneal disease
- Corneal edema
- Corneal sensitivity or abrasion
- Allergies to contact lens solutions
- Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
An eye doctor will evaluate your ocular health and medical history to determine if Air Optix toric lenses can be safely prescribed for you.
Cost of Air Optix Colors Astigmatism Lenses
The cost of Air Optix Colors Astigmatism contact lenses will depend on several factors:
- Whether you need spherical or toric lenses
- Your lens prescription strength
- If you want additional features like multifocality or UV block
- The color tint chosen
- Wearing and replacement schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
- If you buy a single pair or in bulk
- Eye care provider and location
On average, expect to pay around the following:
| Lens Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Optix Colors Spherical | $20-$50 per 6-pack |
| Air Optix Colors Toric Astigmatism | $35-$75 per 6-pack |
Many eye care providers offer coupons or rebates to help lower the cost. Vision insurance may also provide coverage for some of the expense of contact lenses prescribed for astigmatism correction.
Conclusion
Air Optix Colors contact lenses can be an excellent option to correct blurred vision from astigmatism while also changing your eye color. The toric lens design specifically targets the corneal irregularities that cause distorted focus. By providing precise optical correction, Air Optix Colors Astigmatism lenses can provide crisp, clear vision without the need for eyeglasses or rigid lenses.
Choosing an approved wearing and replacement schedule along with proper lens care is important for maintaining comfort and eye health. Consult with your optometrist to determine if Air Optix Colors Astigmatism contact lenses are right for your vision needs and astigmatism correction.