Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors, caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina. For decades, contact lens wearers with astigmatism had limited options, but modern toric lenses now provide excellent vision correction for the vast majority of astigmatic prescriptions.

At Upper West Optical, we fit toric contact lenses for patients with astigmatism of varying degrees and help each person find the lens design and brand that delivers the most stable, comfortable vision for their specific eyes.

How Toric Lenses Work

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Dual Power Design

Unlike standard spherical lenses, toric lenses have two different powers built into the same lens, one to correct the refractive error and one specifically to correct the astigmatic component of the prescription.

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Stabilization Systems

Toric lenses use ballasting or other stabilization methods to keep the lens oriented correctly on the eye, because rotating even a few degrees would blur vision significantly for an astigmatic correction.

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Precise Fitting Required

Getting toric lenses right requires careful measurement of the axis of astigmatism and the fitting characteristics of the eye, making a professional fitting far more important than with standard lenses.

Types of Toric Contact Lenses

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Daily Disposables

Daily toric lenses offer the convenience of a fresh lens each day with no cleaning required, and modern designs provide excellent stability and vision quality for mild to moderate astigmatism.

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Monthly Replacement

Monthly toric lenses offer a broader range of parameter options and are often available in higher astigmatic prescriptions that may not yet be available in daily disposable designs.

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Specialty Toric Lenses

For higher or irregular astigmatism, rigid gas-permeable or scleral toric lenses may provide sharper vision than soft toric designs by creating a smooth refractive surface over the irregular cornea.

      Tips for Successful Toric Lens Wear
      Allow extra fitting appointments as toric lenses often require more refinement than standard lenses
Report any fluctuating vision, as this may indicate the lens is rotating and needs a different stabilization design
Keep a consistent replacement schedule to prevent deposits that affect stability and vision clarity
Use rewetting drops approved for contact lens wear if dryness causes lens movement and blur
Avoid rubbing the eye while wearing lenses, which can dislodge the stabilization orientation
Attend annual lens exams to ensure your toric lens parameters remain matched to your current prescription

    

Common Challenges and Solutions

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Lens Rotation

Some eyes rotate toric lenses away from the correct axis. When this occurs, the lens axis can be adjusted in subsequent fittings to compensate, restoring stable, clear vision.

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Comfort and Dryness

Daily disposable toric lenses are often the most comfortable option for dry eye patients with astigmatism, as a fresh lens each day means no accumulated deposits to irritate the eye surface.

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High Astigmatism

Patients with higher degrees of astigmatism may not find adequate correction in standard soft toric designs and may benefit from custom-made lenses or rigid gas-permeable alternatives.

What to Expect at Your Toric Fitting

A toric lens fitting typically takes longer than a standard contact lens fitting. Trial lenses are placed on the eye and allowed to settle before vision is assessed, and multiple lens designs may be trialled before identifying the optimal combination of axis, power, and stabilization for your eyes.

At Upper West Optical, we take the time needed to get toric fittings right, because a well-fitted toric lens that stays stable and sees clearly is worth the extra fitting appointments it may take to achieve.