Astigmatism, a common refractive error, is often corrected with a cylindrical lens component in spectacles or contact lenses. Individuals may find, following an eye examination, that their contact lens prescription lacks a cylinder correction despite a previous diagnosis of astigmatism. This absence can stem from several factors related to the degree of astigmatism, the type of contact lens being considered, or the assessment of visual needs.
The requirement for cylindrical correction is primarily determined by the severity of astigmatism and its impact on visual acuity and comfort. Low levels of astigmatism may not necessitate correction, particularly if vision remains acceptable without it. Furthermore, certain contact lens designs, such as spherical lenses, can sometimes mask or compensate for minimal astigmatism, providing adequate visual performance for some individuals. The fitting optometrist or ophthalmologist carefully considers these factors to determine the optimal lens prescription.
