Week 1.10 Toric Lenses Flashcards
What is the definition of astigmatism
Refractive condition, is the difference in refractive power between the two principal meridians of the eye
What are the types of regular astigmatism
With the rule - flatter meridian close to 180, steeper closer to 90
+/- 30 horizontal
50% of the younger pop has WTR
Against the rule - flatter meridian closer to 90, steeper close to 180
+/-30 vertical
Approx 50% of older pop have ATR
Oblique astigmatism
Approx 20%
Where u don’t have it within +/- 180 or 90
Corneal astigmatism increases….
….towards the periphery
What is the important rule for corneal astigmatism and k readings
Each 0.05mm difference in k readings = 0.25DC
Or 0.10mm difference in k readings = 0.50DC
Corneal and lenticular astigmatism
- Each 0.05mm difference = 0.25DC
- E.g. K readings of 7.85 along 180, 7.75 along 180
- = 0.50DC corneal astigmatism
- Spec rx -2.00/-1.50 x180
- Mismatch between spec cyl and corneal astigmatism
- 1.00D lenticular or residual astigmatism
- Residual astigmatism ocular astigmatism – corneal astigmatism
What are some signs of irregular astigmatism
Due to corneal irregularity signs are:
- k mires irregular (distorted)
- k readings may not be at 90 degrees to each other
- best viewed using topographer
- associated with corneal injury, dystrophies (including keratoconus) warpage etc
Spherical soft lenses vs spherical RGP lenses
Soft lenses flex to take up the shape of the cornea
Corneal shape (incl corneal astigmatism is transmitted through lens)
Thin tear lens is focal
Spherical RGP
RGP lenses don’t flex to take up the shape of the cornea
Corneal shape is not transmitted through the lens
Corneal astigmatism is corrected by the tear lens
Why correct astigmatism?
Uncorrected astigmatism causes:
Decreased VA
Decreased contrast sensitivity
Glare/streaks at night
More variable accomodation hence headaches/asthenopia (eye strain)
Improved quality of vision leads to greater px satisfaction
Better contact lens fitting skills
Greater job satisfaction
Why leave astigmatism uncorrected?
Suitable toric lens may not be available in material/modality required
- oblique axis
- high rx
- cost - px pays twice as much as spherical lens, chair time
What degree of astigmatism do we usually not correct
Under 0.75DC
A px with 0.25-0.75DC may be happy with astigmatism uncorrected if:
- low visual demands
- not driving at night
- CLs for occasional daytime social only
- more likely if axis ~90/180 deg rather than oblique
- more likely if astigmatism is <1/4 sphere power
- occasionally higher astigmatism can be tolerated, particularly in non-dominant eye
Front surface aspheric soft lenses may…
..reduce spherical aberration hence some individuals with up to 1.50DC find them beneficial
Vision still not as good as toric correction
By how many letters improvement in eyes with 1D of astigmatism when fitted with a toric soft CL
3-5letters
What percentage of pop have some degree of astigmatism
90%
15% of those gave between 0.75-1.00DC
Lens choices for astigmatism depends on…
- level/axis of astigmatism
- source of astigmatism (corneal/lenticular)
- px requirements
- lens availability
What are some contact lens options for astigmatics
- soft toric (corneal and/or lenticular)
- RGP - spherical for corneal astigmatism only,
toric back surface - corneal astigmatism,
Toric front surface - some lenticular astigmatism
Bitoric - corneal and corneal/lenticular/induced