If you have astigmatism and are hesitant to try contact lenses, you will probably be interested in this. For people with astigmatism, there are specific types of contact lenses called toric contact lenses that can correct this condition. Regular eye exams are recommended to uncover such conditions. Let’s understand how it works:
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that causes distorted or hazy vision. [1] It occurs when the shape of your cornea (the clear front layer of your eye) or lens (the inner component of your eye that helps the eye focus) differs from normal. An eye exam is the only way to determine if you have astigmatism.
You can improve your vision using eyeglasses or toric contact lenses, and some people can have surgery to correct their astigmatism. If you think you have astigmatism, you may be experiencing the following symptoms1:
- Blurred Vision
- Squinting for Clearer Vision
- Headaches
- Strain on Eyes
- Trouble seeing at night
You may not notice any symptoms if you have minor astigmatism. That’s why it’s crucial to have frequent eye exams; your Optometrist or eye doctor can provide you with options to treat it appropriately.
However, it is nothing to be afraid of if you are told you have astigmatism in one or both eyes. After all, many people have some degree of astigmatism, and many individuals are born with it. Finding the right
You may be aware of toric contact lenses, but what are they, and how can they help? In this article, we will go over how to put these contacts on, how they work, and what to keep in mind when buying them!
What Are Toric Contact Lenses?
Astigmatism can be corrected using toric contact lenses. The design is the key distinction between these and regular contact lenses. Toric contact lenses feature two types of powers: one is called spherical component and the other is called cylindrical component.
Regular lenses have only one power (spherical component). In contrast to spherical contact lenses, which have no impact if they rotate on your eye when you blink, these lenses (toric) must remain in place on your eye to correct your vision. Therefore, toric contact lenses are carefully designed with this in mind and are gently weighted at the bottom (majority of cases) to help them stay in place.
Additionally, toric contact lenses have differing refractive or focusing capabilities in vertical and horizontal orientations due to their form. As you go around the lens, the refractive strength progressively increases or decreases.
Selecting Toric Contact Lenses
The best methods for finding the best toric contact lenses differ. Each person’s astigmatism is unique, and if you have many refractive faults, it may take several trial lenses to get the best fit. Notably, toric contact lenses are designed differently than conventional lenses, so it may take longer to fit your eyes with them.
It is in your best interest to visit your Optometrist or ophthalmologist and get the prescription right to avoid vision problems when wearing the toric contact lenses. Once you have the right prescription, make sure that the fitting of the toric contact lens is appropriate.
They must stay on your eye in the proper orientation to work well. Therefore, toric contact lenses are designed with features that assist them to stay in place, such as:
- They have a thicker zone in the bottom (most of the time) that prevents them from rotating in your eyes. It also makes it easier to set the lenses in the same way, every time, ensuring consistent vision.
- Toric lenses remain stable because of the lens design which helps the lens to continue to offer clear vision at a particular axis where astigmatism is being corrected
Most importantly, ensure you buy toric contact lenses from a trusted brand like Bausch+Lomb to get comfortable and effective options. They provide you with a range of options in contact lenses, including toric lenses, spherical lenses, multifocal lenses as well as colored contact lenses with power prescription. You can head over to their website to get more information on their products.
