Astigmatism introduces additional variables into contact lens fitting. The lens must have sufficient optical power and remain properly aligned on the eye throughout use. Improper alignment, rotation, and instability during wear can produce noticeable fluctuations in vision quality despite an accurate prescription.
ACUVUE® OASYS 2-Week for ASTIGMATISM is a reusable toric soft contact lens for correcting astigmatism. According to its product information, the lens features senofilcon A material with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology and BLINK STABILIZED® Design. This design provides two weeks of wear per pair of lenses.
To fully comprehend ACUVUE® OASYS 2-Week for ASTIGMATISM, it helps to review the following aspects:
Stabilization Mechanism: How does it work?
Lens Composition: What is it made of?
Professional Fitting: What should happen during a fitting appointment?
Replacement Schedule: What distinguishes this schedule from monthly contact lenses?
Understanding the Lens Design
The toric contact lens has a certain optical alignment, as it addresses astigmatism on an aligned axis. For this reason, the positioning of lenses becomes an essential consideration when fitting the contact lenses.
ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism has been developed based on the concept of utilizing natural eye movements to aid in influencing lens alignment. The lens alignment is stabilized through its Blink STABILIZED® Design.
This consideration is especially applicable to individuals who engage in many activities that require a change in head or eye alignment. If the lens keeps moving out of its desired alignment, then visual fluctuation may occur.
The stabilization design does not remove the need for an individual fitting. Every eye has its own anatomy, tear-film characteristics, eyelid behavior, and corneal shape. These factors can influence how a toric lens performs in practice.
HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology
Comfort is another critical factor in choosing the right contacts.
ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism utilizes HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology. This technology provides a wetting agent in the lens, thus enabling moisture retention on the surface of the contact lens. It is noted by the producer that this technology helps preserve tear-film stability.
This characteristic may be applicable to those who spend many hours working with computer, smartphone, or other technological gadgets. Constantly looking at the screens can decrease the amount of blinking, causing discomfort for certain individuals.
However, no technology of contact lenses guarantees identical comfort to every wearer, as the individual's tear film, environmental conditions, duration of wear, constant screen activity, as well as overall condition of eyes, affect the level of comfort from wearing the contact lenses.
If a person feels persistent dryness when wearing the lens, it is advisable to have a check-up instead of automatically considering changing the contact lens brand.
Lens Material and Oxygen Transmission
The lens is made from senofilcon A, a silicone hydrogel material. Current technical information lists a water content of 38% and an edge-corrected Dk/t value of 129 × 10⁻⁹ at -3.00 D.
Oxygen transmission is an important consideration with contact lenses because the cornea receives oxygen directly from its surrounding environment. Silicone hydrogel materials were developed to allow substantial oxygen transmission through the lens.
Even so, oxygen performance is only one element of a successful fitting. The practitioner also needs to consider lens movement, centration, prescription, wearing schedule, ocular health, and whether the patient can follow the recommended care routine.
ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism Parameters
Current professional specifications list a base curve of 8.6 mm and a diameter of 14.5 mm. The lens is available in a range of sphere, cylinder, and axis combinations intended to cover a broad selection of astigmatic prescriptions.
The listed cylinder powers are:
- -0.75 D
- -1.25 D
- -1.75 D
- -2.25 D
- -2.75 D
Axis options are available from 10° through 180° in 10-degree increments. The listed sphere range includes powers from plano through -6.00 D in 0.25 D steps, with higher minus powers available in larger increments.
These specifications are useful when considering a trial lens, but the final prescription should always be determined through an appropriate eye examination and contact lens fitting.
What Happens During a Professional Fitting?
A contact lens prescription is not simply a copy of a glasses prescription. The practitioner needs to consider how the lens interacts with the individual eye.
A typical fitting assessment may include several stages.
Reviewing the Prescription
The practitioner considers the patient's sphere, cylinder, and axis values. Depending on the prescription, vertex distance and other optical factors may also need consideration.
Selecting a Trial Lens
An appropriate trial lens is selected using the available parameters and the patient's clinical measurements.
Allowing the Lens to Settle
Immediately after insertion, a toric lens may not have reached its final position. The practitioner generally allows the lens sufficient time to settle before making a final assessment.
Checking Lens Position
The lens is examined to determine whether it is reasonably centered and whether its orientation remains consistent.
Evaluating Movement
A certain amount of movement with blinking can be expected. Too little or too much movement may indicate that the fit needs further evaluation.
Checking Vision
Visual acuity is assessed after the lens has settled. If vision changes noticeably between blinks or different directions of gaze, lens orientation may need to be investigated.
Assessing Comfort
The patient's feedback is also important. A lens can have an apparently acceptable position but still be unsuitable if it causes persistent discomfort.
Why Lens Orientation Matters With Astigmatism
How Rotation Impacts Spherical and Toric Lens Corrections
Spherical lenses tend to remain consistent regardless of rotation.
With a spherical lens, rotation usually does not affect vision quality. The power remains the same throughout the entire lens, and there is nothing to misalign.
Toric lenses behave differently.
Rotation impacts toric lenses due to the cylinder correction being set for a specific axis. When the lens shifts out of alignment, it becomes possible for the correction to move out of position relative to the wearer's astigmatism.
Is ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism a Monthly Lens?
No. It is not intended to be a monthly replacement lens.
According to the ACUVUE technical specifications, this lens is a two-week replacement lens meant for daily wear. Extended-wear labeling applies to some markets, although patients should refer to local product instructions provided with each lens and consult their eye doctor's recommendations as well.
Even though it may be reusable, that doesn't mean it replaces the monthly lens.
Properly following the prescribed replacement regimen prevents deposits from building up on the lens surface during use.
Following prescribed wearing times is important. Patients should adhere to the recommended wearing time, not set their own limits for extended wear.
UV Protection
There is a Class 1 UV blocker in the ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism lens. According to the professional standards, there is a blockage of more than 99.9% of UVB rays and approximately 96.1% of UVA rays.
This does not mean that the contact lens offers protection against the sun rays. There is no coverage of the surrounding skin and other exposed areas of the eyes.
Sunglasses will be required when going outside.
Who May Be Considered for This Lens?
When Can You Use ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism?
A lens designed specifically for people requiring astigmatic correction who are able to use a reusable lens can fit the bill.
People who want a two-week replacement schedule instead of daily disposables or monthly disposables might appreciate the difference.
However, the replacement schedule itself is not enough reason to choose a particular lens type. There are many factors involved in the choice: a prescription, cornea condition, tear film, lids, lifestyle, contact lens history, and compliance.
Professional fitting becomes critical to assessing which lenses are right for an individual patient.
Caring for Reusable Contact Lenses
Proper handling is crucial since these lenses are reusable.
Wash and dry your hands prior to handling your lenses. Follow your eye-care provider's recommendation concerning the cleaning and disinfection procedure for your lenses. Water, particularly tap water, should never come into contact with contact lenses.
You should discard the old disinfecting solution rather than reusing it. Storage and disposal should also be done as directed by the manufacturer.
Pain, unusual redness, sensitivity to light, or any abnormal eye discharge warrants removing your lenses. It may indicate a developing issue that requires professional intervention.
Key Specifications at a Glance
These specifications are derived from current manufacturers’ professional literature and may differ depending on the market, so local product information should be consulted prior to prescribing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of contact lens is ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism?
It is a soft toric contact lens designed specifically for people who need correction for astigmatism. Unlike a standard spherical lens, it includes cylinder and axis parameters as part of its optical design.
2. How long can ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism be used?
The product is designed around a two-week replacement schedule for daily wear. Patients should follow the schedule provided by their eye care professional and the applicable product instructions rather than extending the life of an individual lens.
3. Why is lens stabilization important for astigmatism?
Astigmatism correction depends on the cylinder being positioned along the appropriate axis. If a toric lens rotates significantly, the optical correction may become less accurately aligned with the eye. The BLINK STABILIZED® Design is intended to help maintain lens orientation during normal blinking and movement.
4. Does HYDRACLEAR PLUS make the lenses comfortable for everyone?
Not necessarily. HYDRACLEAR PLUS Technology is designed to support moisture and tear-film stability, but comfort differs between individuals. Eye condition, environment, screen use, wearing duration, and lens fit can all influence how a wearer feels while using contact lenses.
5. Can someone sleep in ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism?
Sleeping in lenses requires medical advice from an eye doctor rather than an individual decision based on personal preference.
Wearing schedules for certain lenses require overnight wear. That said, there are separate risks associated with overnight wear. It is essential to adhere strictly to the wearing schedule prescribed by your eye doctor and report any issues such as irritation, red eyes, pain, discharge, or visual disturbances.
Final Thoughts
ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism is designed to address the particular demands of toric lens wear. Its senofilcon A material, HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology, and BLINK STABILIZED® Design provide the basis for its approach to comfort and lens positioning. It is also offered on a two-week replacement schedule for daily wear.
For patients, the most important consideration is not simply whether a particular brand is popular or widely available. The lens needs to match the prescription and work appropriately on the individual's eye.
For professionals, observing the lens after settling, checking its orientation and movement, confirming visual performance, and listening to patient feedback can all contribute to a more suitable fitting decision.
A current eye examination and professional contact lens prescription should always come before purchasing or changing a toric contact lens.
