My astigmatism is such that I can see clearly only up to four centimeters away. It’s been about thirty years since I switched from glasses to contact lenses. When I moved to Japan, I took several six-month (was it six months or six weeks?) pairs of prescription contact lenses with me.
That was four years ago. I’ve managed to get about a year out of each pair. But now I’m on my final pair and need to start the process of getting new ones.
Is the quality of Japanese contact lenses better or worse, would you say, than those in the USA or Canada? Are they durable? Does national health insurance apply to contact lenses?
Thank you in advance.
8 comments
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glasses and contacts are not covered by insurance, but cheaper than US. the eye exam is.
i got the same brand in Japan as i did i US (acuvue)
last year i got ICL- eyes too bad for Lasik- and it was life changing. have perfect vision now
There are several options for astigmatism contacts but you might have to shop around. I recently got new ones after using Bausch&Lomb for years.
They are as good. But if you want quality service go to a good clinic to get prescription . Glasses here also good. My astigmatism is very bad due to surgery and they can make glasses for it.
The same brands that exist abroad are available in Japan. And you can always order online if you prefer.
Found it really tricky getting contacts for astigmatism as here most brands are only available in increments of 30 degrees, some even less options. If you are anywhere in between it’s a pain. I order online from abroad where they offer 10 degree increments, same brands as available in Japan but a lot more options
I have astigmatism and I’m also long sighted, so I went to one of the chain shops that said they had the same brand I used in my home country. Turns out they didn’t go up to my prescription so I’ve ended up with lenses that are a little too weak for me.
I’d suggest checking your prescription with an optician (and get an eye check), then buying the correct prescription in bulk from suppliers online if you’re not in the mood to shop around.
The prices I pay for my lenses are around the same I’d pay in my home country also.
I use air optix for astigmatism (monthly)… they offer increments of 50 degrees…I’m subscribed with 3.5 and used them for sports and even driven at night with them and no issues at all