Everything You Need to Know About Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
What Are Toric Contact Lenses?
Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism. Unlike standard lenses, toric lenses provide different optical powers in different meridians. This corrects how light focuses in an eye with astigmatism.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or natural lens has different curvatures. Consequently, light does not focus evenly on the retina. This causes blurred or distorted vision at near and far distances.
If you have been prescribed lenses for astigmatism, you can explore our full range of toric contact lenses.
How Do Toric Contact Lenses Work?
A toric contact lens normally includes three important prescription values: power or SPH, cylinder or CYL, and axis or AXIS.
- SPH or PWR corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- CYL specifies the amount of astigmatism correction required.
- AXIS indicates the orientation of the cylinder correction and is measured in degrees.
Cylinder correction must remain in a particular orientation. Therefore, a toric lens needs to stay stable on the eye. If it rotates, vision may temporarily become blurred.
Manufacturers therefore use different stabilisation technologies to help toric lenses maintain their correct orientation. These can include variations in lens thickness, ballast designs and other geometric features that interact with the eyelids during blinking.
To understand the numbers on your lens box, see our guide to contact lens parameters.
Toric vs Spherical Contact Lenses
The main difference between toric and spherical contact lenses is the type of vision correction they provide.
Standard spherical lenses have the same power in every meridian. They typically correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Toric lenses have different powers to also correct astigmatism.
Toric lenses have more prescription parameters and require stable positioning. Similar prescription values may use different materials or dimensions. Thus, they are not automatically interchangeable.
What Types of Toric Contact Lenses Are Available?
Modern toric contact lenses are available in several materials and replacement schedules. The best option depends on your prescription, eye shape, lens fit and lifestyle.
Soft Toric Contact Lenses
Soft toric lenses are the most common option for regular astigmatism. They are made from flexible hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials and are available as both daily disposable and reusable lenses.
For example, MyDay Toric is a daily disposable toric lens, while Biofinity Toric is a reusable monthly silicone hydrogel lens.
Biofinity Toric and MyDay Toric use Optimized Toric Lens Geometry™. This design minimises rotation and maintains stable positioning on the eye.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
RGP lenses are smaller and more rigid than soft lenses. They provide effective correction in some cases. They are useful when soft toric lenses fail to fit.
RGP lenses usually require specialist fitting and can take longer to become accustomed to than soft contact lenses.
Specialist and Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid central area with a soft outer section. Specialist lens designs may also be used for more complex prescriptions or irregular corneal shapes. These lenses normally require fitting and follow-up by an eye care professional.
Daily or Monthly Toric Contact Lenses?
Soft toric lenses are available with different replacement schedules.
Daily contact lenses are worn once and discarded after removal. They require no cleaning or overnight storage and can be convenient for people who prefer a fresh pair every day.
Monthly contact lenses are reusable. You must clean and store them with an appropriate contact lens solution.
The replacement schedule does not determine how well a lens corrects astigmatism. The correct choice depends on the specific lens prescribed for you and your preferences for convenience and lens care.
How Do You Choose the Right Toric Lenses?
A toric contact lens prescription involves more than simply choosing the same SPH value as a standard contact lens. Cylinder, axis, base curve, diameter, lens material and fit can all influence vision and comfort.
An optometrist can assess your eyes and determine the required correction. They evaluate how a toric lens sits and rotates on your eye.
You may need to try several lenses. This helps find the best combination of vision, fit, and comfort.
Why Does Vision Sometimes Blur with Toric Lenses?
Because a toric lens needs to remain correctly oriented, excessive rotation can cause temporary fluctuations in vision. A small amount of movement is normal, but the lens should return to a stable position quickly.
Speak to your optometrist if your vision is blurred or lenses feel uncomfortable. This may relate to the fit or prescription. Do not try to correct this yourself.
Tips for Wearing Toric Contact Lenses
- Wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing your lenses.
- Use the exact lens model, cylinder and axis values prescribed for you.
- Allow the lens a short time to settle after insertion.
- Do not try to manually rotate a soft toric lens into position unless instructed to do so by an eye care professional.
- Follow the correct replacement schedule for your lenses.
- Clean and disinfect reusable lenses according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Attend regular eye examinations to check your eye health, prescription and lens fit.
Remove lenses if you experience persistent redness, pain, or light sensitivity. Seek advice from an eye care professional immediately.
Finding the Right Toric Contact Lenses
Toric contact lenses make it possible for many people with astigmatism to enjoy clear vision without relying solely on glasses. Today's toric lenses are available in a wide range of powers, cylinder values, axes, materials and replacement schedules.
Use a lens fitted for your eyes. Do not choose another product just because the prescription values appear similar.
Explore our complete range of toric contact lenses or browse all contact lenses available from Netlens.