If you’ve been recently diagnosed with astigmatism, you may have many questions about the type of contact lenses that can correct your refractive error. Lens.com is here to help.
In this article, we answer six of the most common questions that people have about contacts for astigmatism, also known as toric lenses.
1. What are toric contact lenses?
Toric contact lenses are shaped differently from standard contact lenses. Standard contact lenses have a spherical shape. Think of a slice of the side of a beach ball. On the other hand, toric contact lenses are shaped like a torus, which closely resembles a donut. This shape creates different focusing (refractive) powers on the vertical and horizontal orientations of the lens. These powers increase or decrease gradually as you move around the lens.
2. What is the difference between standard contact lenses and toric contact lenses?
Apart from the shape and design, the main difference between standard and toric contact lenses is the power. Standard contact lenses have only one power throughout the lens, whereas toric contact lenses have two powers to correct astigmatism and ensure clear distance vision.
Since toric contact lenses have two powers, they need to remain in the same position on top of your cornea. Otherwise, your vision will be significantly affected. By comparison, standard contact lenses can rotate on your cornea without negatively affecting your vision.
Source: All About Vision
To make them stay in position, manufacturers design toric contact lenses with the following features:
- Thin-thick zones (the contact lens is thicker in some areas)
- Lens truncation (a section of the contact lens is cut off)
- Prism ballasting (the contact lens is wider at the base than at the apex)
3. Who should wear toric contact lenses?
Toric contact lenses are the ideal choice for contact lens wearers with astigmatism.
Typically, the cornea or the lens of the eye has equal or symmetrical curvatures in all directions. With astigmatism, the cornea or the lens has mismatched curves. This causes light entering the eye to get bent more in one direction than another, resulting in blurred vision at all distances.
The special shape of a toric contact lens is designed to correct astigmatism by providing the wearer with different refractive powers on the vertical and horizontal orientations.
4. What are the different types of toric contact lenses?
Toric contact lenses come in soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) materials. They also come in different modalities, including daily contacts, bi-weekly contacts, and monthly contacts. There are also colored toric contacts available if you want to change or enhance your natural eye color.
RGP toric contacts provide clearer vision and stay more securely on the eye than soft toric contacts. But RGP toric contacts best suit people with high levels of astigmatism.
5. What is the importance of a proper toric contact lens fitting?
Toric contact lenses have a middle axis, much like the Earth’s equator, that keeps your line of vision clear. This is primarily why toric contacts need to be fitted properly. If toric contacts are ill-fitted, they’ll likely shift out of place and negatively impact your vision.
6. Are toric contact lenses expensive?
Toric contact lenses are generally more expensive than standard spherical contacts. This is largely due to the complex design of toric contacts. Several factors, such as brand, lens material, and replacement schedule, can also further increase the cost of toric contacts.
Moreover, eye care professionals (ECPs) typically charge more for toric contact lens fittings. Make sure to factor this into your planning as well.
Conclusion
If you have astigmatism and want to wear toric contact lenses, schedule a visit with your ECP to get a comprehensive eye exam and toric lens fitting.
Once you have a prescription, head on over to Lens.com and choose from our wide selection of toric contact lenses.
