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Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism while remaining stable on the eye so the prescribed orientation is maintained. Daily and reusable options may be available depending on your prescription. A professional fitting can assess lens position, comfort and vision and help determine which toric lens option may be appropriate.
Contact Lens Options for Astigmatism
Toric contact lenses are designed to remain stable on the eye while correcting astigmatism. Daily and reusable options may be available depending on your prescription.
An eye-care professional can assess fit, comfort and vision before recommending a lens.
Why Toric Lenses Need a Stable Position
Astigmatism requires correction that accounts for both the amount and orientation of the refractive error. Toric contact lenses are designed to maintain the orientation needed for the prescribed correction.
Cylindrical Correction
Astigmatism prescriptions include cylindrical correction in addition to other prescription information.
Lens Orientation
The toric lens design is intended to remain positioned appropriately on the eye so the astigmatism correction aligns as prescribed.
Individual Prescription
The amount and orientation of astigmatism can differ between eyes, so contact lens selection needs to reflect the individual prescription.
Astigmatism Is a Common Refractive Error
Astigmatism can cause blurred or distorted vision because light does not focus evenly on the retina.
Corrective options can include properly prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses. The appropriate option depends on the individual prescription, eye health and vision needs.
Explore Common Eye Conditions →
A Toric Contact Lens Fitting Is Individual
A contact lens prescription involves more than simply transferring an eyeglass prescription to a contact lens. The lens needs to be selected and fitted for the individual eye.
For toric lenses, the eye-care professional can evaluate the prescription, lens position, movement, comfort and vision to determine whether the selected lens is performing as intended.
Follow-up may also be recommended after you begin wearing the lenses so comfort, vision and fit can be reassessed.
Daily and Reusable Toric Options May Be Available
Toric design describes how a contact lens corrects astigmatism. The replacement schedule is a separate consideration, so toric lenses may be available in different wearing and replacement formats depending on the prescription and product.
Your fitting may consider:
- Your prescription: the amount and orientation of astigmatism correction required for each eye.
- Daily or reusable wear: available replacement schedules can depend on the lens design and prescription.
- Lens stability: the lens needs to maintain an appropriate orientation during wear.
- Comfort: the selected lens should be assessed for how it feels on your eyes.
- Visual performance: vision should be evaluated after the lens is positioned on the eye.
- Your routine: how often you plan to wear contacts can be part of the lens-selection discussion.
Compare Contact Lens Types and Replacement Schedules
Astigmatism correction is one part of choosing contact lenses. Replacement schedule, multifocal needs, prescription and professional fitting can also influence which lens option is appropriate.
Daily Contact Lenses
Explore single-use contact lenses that are worn for one day and discarded after use.
Monthly Contact Lenses
Learn about reusable contact lenses that follow a prescribed replacement and care routine.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Explore contact lens designs intended to support vision at near, intermediate and distance ranges.
Contact Lens Guide
Review contact lens types, fitting considerations, replacement schedules and safe wear information.
Discuss How You Plan to Wear Contact Lenses
Your prescription is essential, but your everyday routine can also help guide the contact lens discussion.
How Often You Wear Contacts
Tell your eye-care professional whether you expect to wear contact lenses regularly or only for selected activities.
Your Previous Experience
Mention any previous problems with contact lens comfort, handling or vision.
Your Visual Needs
Discuss work, driving, screen use, sports or other activities where your visual demands may be important.
Not Every Prescription Is Available in Every Lens
Toric lens availability can depend on the prescription, replacement schedule, lens design and product range.
An eye-care professional can assess which lens options are appropriate for your prescription rather than relying on a particular contact lens type or brand before fitting.
Ask About Contact Lens Options Near You →Follow the Wearing and Care Instructions for Your Lenses
Toric contact lenses require the same attention to professional fitting, hygiene and product-specific wearing instructions as other contact lenses.
Clean Hands
Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before inserting, removing or handling contact lenses.
Follow the Replacement Schedule
Wear and replace lenses according to the schedule recommended for your specific contact lenses.
Care for Reusable Lenses Correctly
If your lenses are reusable, clean, disinfect and store them according to the instructions for the lenses and care system.
Remove Your Lenses if You Develop Concerning Symptoms
Health Canada advises contact lens wearers to remove their lenses if they develop eye pain or blurred or hazy vision.
If symptoms do not improve, become worse or are concerning, seek assessment from an eye-care professional before resuming contact lens wear.
Review Contact Lens Wear and Care →Explore Contact Lens Options for Astigmatism
Visit a Hakim Optical location to discuss your prescription and available toric contact lens options, or arrange professional eye care when a new assessment is needed.