What are Toric Lenses?

• Toric lenses are a type of contact lens used in the correction of astigmatism. Toric lenses can be soft or rigid types of contacts. Most of them are soft lenses. Soft lenses are made from permeable, soft plastic that forms to the shape of the wearer's eye. Rigid contacts, also known as hard contacts, are generally only prescribed for specific eye problems. Some astigmatism sufferers have noted crisper vision with rigid toric lenses than with soft ones.
  
  

Astigmatism

• Astigmatism is the term used to describe vision problems caused by a misshaped cornea. A normal cornea is spherical. A cornea in someone suffering astigmatism is shaped like a football with each ended extending outward. Astigmatism sufferers have trouble making out a single shape. Instead they will see a halo of blurriness around objects. Viewing lights is the most difficult. Objects like LED alarm clocks cause multiple halos and are nearly impossible to make out without corrective lenses. Astigmatism tends to be progressive. Sufferers will need increasing strengths of correct lens prescriptions throughout their lifetime.
  
  

How do Contact Lenses Work?

• When a contact lens is placed on the eye, it floats on a very thin layer of water. The layer of water keeps the wearer's eye from becoming dry and keeps the contact lens hydrated. Each time the contact lens wearer blinks, the contact lens can move around or rotate. However, the movement will not affect the wearer's vision.
  
  

How Toric Lenses Work

• Weighted Lens
  
  Toric lenses also float on a thin layer of water when placed on the eye. Toric lenses are weighted at the bottom, so that as the lens tries to turn or move around in the contact lens wearer's eye, the weight remains at the bottom. The weight keeps the prescription in the right place on the eye. Toric lenses correct both astigmatism and near-sighted (myopia) or far-sightedness (hyperopia) in the wearer. The lenses are created with different curves in them that correct your specific vision problems.
  
  

What is Available?

• People with astigmatism may have been told in the past that they cannot wear contacts. Others may have heard that toric lenses are not available in colors, multi-focal (for presbyopia), disposables, or daily disposables. While that was true at one time, it isn't anymore. All those options are available. Most recently, extended wear toric lenses are available. One brand can be worn for up to 30 days without removal, and then thrown out. If you wear toric lenses or would like to, keep an eye out for advancements in toric lens technology.