How bad exactly is a "bad astigmatism."?

Question

My cylinder is -0.75. Is this considered just mild? and would it require toric lenses, because they are so much more expensive and my vision for that eye isn't even that bad.

Also, is there a regular prescription that is similar to an astigmatism prescription? thanks.

Answer 1

These are questions you should have asked your opthomologist/eye doctor.  No lay person can answer them  because every person is different.  By not asking a trained professional you put your eyes and sight at risk.  Call the doctor, they are happy to answer your questions.

Answer 2

0.75 is barely above the national average.

Severe astigmatism is a loose term.  It's got to be at least over -2.50DC, and even there that's not a medical issue, but just the point where the choice of astigmatism-correcting contact lenses begins to narrow.

Some people would distinctly benefit from having the 0.75 astigmatic correction, others would barely notice whether it was there or not.

It depends on the refraction in the other eye, binocular status and eye dominance,  type of visual activities required and personality.  Sorry, there isn't a simple yes/no answer to that.

The "sphere equivalent" does not deliver the same vision as the astigmatic lens.  It's a rule of thumb approximation useful for some purposes only.

For example,

-1.00DS/ -1.00 DC ax 180 would have a sphere equivalent of -1.50 (add half the cyl power to the sphere being careful to preserve signs  -1.00DS/ +1.00 DC ax 180 => -0.50)

But that wouldn't necessarily the best alternate lens if it was decided not to have an astigmatic contact.  It might be -125, -150, or -1.75. varying from  individual to individual.

Answer 3

Yes, bad asti r those of more than -300 degree.

Answer 4

You have a mild case mine is 6.75 I hope yours never get that bad. I have bad experiences with eye doctors and I would get a second opinion or at least just take your prescription to a few offices and see what they tell you, see if you get the same answer

Answer 5

Yes, a 0.75 is considered mild, but sometimes needs to be corrected with a toric lens anyway to give you the best vision.

It depends a lot on how strong the Spherical part of your prescription is. If the first part of your prescription is around -3.50 at least , then you just may be able to get away without torics by having a 0.25 more added to the sphere power.

-0.75 is borderline , sometimes it has to be corrected, and other people aren't too sensitive about it.

You will only know with trial lenses from your Dr. if you actually need it or not.