What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can often be corrected with contact lenses for astigmatism. It can cause blurred or distorted vision. This happens when the cornea or natural lens has different curvatures. This causes light to focus unevenly on the retina.

Astigmatism can occur on its own or together with other refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). It can be present from birth or develop and change over time.

Common symptoms of astigmatism can include:

• Blurred or distorted vision at near or far distances
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night
• Squinting to see more clearly

The good news is that astigmatism can often be corrected with glasses or specially designed contact lenses for astigmatism.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses with Astigmatism?

Yes. Many people with astigmatism can wear contact lenses. The most common option is a toric contact lens, which is specifically designed to correct astigmatism.

Unlike standard spherical contact lenses, toric lenses include additional prescription values called cylinder (CYL) and axis (AXIS). Cylinder indicates the amount of astigmatism correction required, while axis describes the orientation of that correction.

Toric lenses are also designed to remain in a stable position on the eye. This is important because the cylinder correction needs to stay aligned correctly to provide consistent vision. Modern soft toric lenses use different stabilisation designs to minimise unwanted rotation.

Want to understand your prescription or contact lens box? See our guide to contact lens parameters.

Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

There are several types of contact lenses that can be used for astigmatism. The right option depends on your prescription, eye shape, lens fit and lifestyle.

Soft Toric Contact Lenses

Soft toric lenses are the most common type of contact lens used to correct regular astigmatism. They are made from flexible materials and are available with different replacement schedules.

Choose between daily disposable contact lenses or reusable options. Monthly contact lenses are also available, depending on your prescription.

MyDay Toric is a daily disposable lens for astigmatism. Biofinity Toric is a reusable monthly lens. Both use toric designs to keep the lens stable on the eye.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

RGP lenses are smaller and more rigid than soft lenses. They can provide very sharp vision for astigmatism. This helps when corneal shapes make soft lenses less suitable.

RGP lenses require a longer adaptation period and specialist fitting. An eye care professional should determine if they are appropriate for you.

Hybrid and Specialist Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses combine a rigid central area with a softer outer section. Other specialist lens designs are also available for certain irregular corneal conditions. These lenses are less commonly used than standard soft toric lenses and normally require specialist fitting.

How to Choose Toric Contact Lenses

Choosing toric contact lenses involves more than simply matching the SPH or PWR value on your prescription. Your lens prescription may also include cylinder and axis values, and the lens itself must fit your eye correctly.

Different toric contact lenses use different materials, base curves, diameters and stabilisation systems. Two products with apparently similar prescription values are therefore not automatically interchangeable.

Your professional can assess your prescription and corneal shape. They will then recommend a suitable product. You may try several lenses to find the best comfort and stability.

Tips for Wearing Toric Contact Lenses

Toric lenses are handled like other soft lenses. However, stable positioning is very important for clear vision.

• Always wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing your lenses.
• Use the exact lens model and prescription parameters recommended for you.
• Allow the lens a short time to settle into its natural position after insertion.
• Do not attempt to manually rotate a soft toric lens into a particular position unless specifically instructed by your eye care professional.
• If you wear reusable lenses, clean and disinfect them using an appropriate contact lens solution.
• Replace your lenses according to their prescribed replacement schedule.
• Attend regular eye examinations to check your eye health and lens fit.

Why Can Vision Sometimes Fluctuate with Toric Lenses?

A toric lens must remain correctly oriented on the eye. If it rotates, the correction axis can move. This may make your vision less clear.

Modern designs minimise rotation. However, lens stability varies between people and products. If vision is blurred, speak to your optometrist. Do not change the prescription yourself.

Alternatives to Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Eyeglasses

Glasses can effectively correct astigmatism using cylinder and axis correction. They are simple to use and do not require the cleaning and handling associated with reusable contact lenses.

Refractive Surgery

Procedures such as LASIK or PRK can correct certain types of astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea. Suitability depends on several factors, including the type and amount of astigmatism, corneal characteristics and overall eye health. An eye care professional can assess whether refractive surgery is appropriate.

Finding the Right Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Astigmatism does not usually prevent you from wearing contact lenses. Modern toric lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions and in both daily disposable and reusable formats.

Use the exact lens model and prescription recommended for your eyes. When reordering, use the specified cylinder, axis, power and lens model.

Explore our full range of toric contact lenses for astigmatism, or browse all contact lenses available from Netlens.