Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, there are numerous options for contact lenses for astigmatism to consider when choosing the lens that's right for you. 

Not that long ago, people with astigmatism were told that their only option was to wear eyeglasses.  Thanks to improvements in corrective contact lens technology, not only are there contact lenses for astigmatism, but there is a wide variety to choose from. 

Astigmatism is a condition of the eye which causes blurry vision.  A normal eye is shaped like a sphere or a ball; but with astigmatism it elongates so it is shaped more like a football.  Due to this unusual shape and the resulting vision problems, contact lenses have to be designed specifically for eyes with astigmatism; astigmatism contact lenses are called “toric” contact lenses.

Toric lenses are made of the same material as “spherical” (or “normal”) lenses; the difference is in how the lenses are designed.  Toric lenses have basically two lenses built into one; similar to bifocal glasses.  This allows for part of the lens to manage the astigmatism, and the other part to correct the vision.   These specialty lenses are also designed to stabilize as your eye moves or when you blink; which ensures more crisp and accurate vision.

These days, contact lenses for astigmatism come with a variety of options so that your lenses better suit your eyes, your preferences, and your lifestyle. 

Your first decision when narrowing down which lenses are the best contact lenses for you is to determine whether you want soft or RGP contact lenses.  While RGP, or rigid gas permeable (also known as gas permeable or oxygen permeable) lenses tend to not be as popular as soft contact lenses, they are often the better choice for many people and should not be ruled out.  RGP contact lenses are more rigid (but are not the same as the old-fashioned “hard” lenses), which allows clearer vision.  They are also more durable, and don't build up deposits as easily as soft contact lenses do.  And, if your astigmatism is rather strong, RGP contact lenses might be your best (or only) option. 

There are other options available for contact lenses for astigmatism, such as multifocal contact lenses, colored or tinted lenses, and disposable or replaceable lenses. The different options available to you might be determined by how strong or sever your astigmatism is.

Of course, when dealing with astigmatism and contact lenses, it is important to make an appointment with an eye care professional who specializes in fitting people for toric lenses. Toric lenses require special fitting, and choosing the right eye doctor can help you get the best results for the clearest vision with the most comfortable fit. Be sure to let your eye doctor know what benefits are important to you to have in a lens; and he or she will work with you to find the right lens for you.

Thanks to the toric technology, people with astigmatism have a wide variety of contact lenses for astigmatism to choose from; with a little research, you can find a lens that you will love!

More reading:
Astigmatism and Contact Lenses
Astigmatism Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses Astigmatism

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