Bausch and Lomb discusses astigmatism myth

Bausch & Lomb has urged astigmats who think they cannot wear contact lenses that this option is available to them.

The ocular equipment company recently sponsored a Decision Analyst survey, in which it was found that four in ten people who have the condition believe it means they cannot wear corrective lenses.

Some 993 astigmatic consumers took part in the research. A total of 178 had previously worn contacts and 150 had never used them.

The results showed that despite some people with astigmatism thinking they cannot use lenses, two-thirds of those who had not worn them before would be “highly motivated” to do so – should this be available.

Seven in ten respondents to the survey said they would consider lenses if their optician recommended them, it was also revealed.

“I see this as a compelling opportunity for us in the eye care industry,” said Dr Thomas G Quinn, an Ohio, US-based practitioner. “Astigmatic patients have a need and we have the tools to meet that need successfully.”

Bausch & Lomb was established in 1853.