Many people with astigmatism have been told that they cannot wear contact lenses.  Thanks to over a decade of research and development by contact lens companies, this is no longer true for most patients.  Since the new millenium, there have been multiple improvements in both astigmatism-correcting contact lens design and materials. 

This is one of the most commonly asked questions by patients at their eye exams.  Though millions worldwide have undergone the procedure, there are many patients who do not qualify based on certain conditions.  The basic requirements include:

Keratoconus is not a common eye disease, but is by no means unusual.  The transparent external surface that covers both the pupil and the iris, known as the cornea, is affected by this disease.  Some of the symptoms of Keratoconus include blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to light. These symptoms usually first appear in the late teens and early twenties.  Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism caused in the early stages.  As the disorder progresses and the cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are generally prescribed for better vision correction.  In more advanced cases, specially designed Keratoconus contact lenses are required for optimal results.  The doctors at Matossian Eye Associates:   Shelly Cutler, OD, Melissa Richard, OD, Rebecca Mueller, OD, Jennine Lutz, OD, and Jennifer Viscusi, OD specialize in contact lens fittings, including toric, gas permeable, bifocal and keratoconus.  For more information on this disease, and its treatment, please view the link below.

http://www.nkcf.org/en/research/research-update/153-understanding-keratoconus.html

Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS

A thorough eye exam should be on the back to school list of every child.  According to a recent survey held by the American Optometric Association (AOA), 81% of K-12 teachers believed learning and vision are interdependent.  Comprehensive eye exams should be performed to detect vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and poor eye coordination.  The AOA also states that a thorough eye exam must include the following elements to ensure optimal learning through vision:

• Visual Acuity measured at different distances
• Focusing from one object to another
• Eye teaming (eyes working together)
• Eye tracking
• Color vision especially for preschoolers
• Eye alignment and movement
• Eye Health

The AOA survey also revealed that 64% of teachers witnessed a direct improvement in a child's academic performance and/or classroom behavior after an eye or vision problem was diagnosed and treated.  Don't forget your back to school eye exam!

Jennine Lutz, O.D.