Astigmatism is a medical condition that is identified by an irregular shape of cornea and blurred vision. In patients with Astigmatism, retina fails to create a single focal point hence objects appear distorted. Since contact lenses float and are designed to rotate, regular contacts are unable to provide clear vision hence toric contacts are needed. It’s a myth that astigmatism can only be corrected using glasses. With the advancement in technology there are corrective toric lenses available in color that changes color of your eyes while correcting astigmatism.

What are the Different Types of Astigmatism Correcting Contact Lenses?

There are three types of contact lenses available to treat Astigmatism.

• Soft Toric Contact Lenses
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contacts
• Hybrid Contact lenses

Soft Toric Contact Lenses

Patients with Astigmatism need different prescription at different meridians. Since regular soft (spherical) contact lenses have uniform power they provide distorted vision. Soft Toric contact lenses have a special design and are kept heavier at the bottom. This allows toric contacts to adjust itself with the varying meridians powers.

Due to its design and various powers soft toric contacts are slightly at the price-y side than regular soft lenses.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contacts

Unlike soft spherical contact lenses that conform to the irregular shape of cornea, GP contact lenses retain crisp vision because they are rigid and hold their shape. The rigid GP contacts replace the misshaped cornea that is the primary reason of light-refraction causing distorted vision. Therefore, RGP contacts correct astigmatism without a toric design. However, GP contacts are difficult to adapt, due to their rigid edges & thicker profile. There are also GP toric contacts available but it is only required for higher number of astigmatism.

Hybrid Contacts

Hybrid contacts are the most comfortable contacts providing the best vision for Astigmatism, thus the most expensive. They have the central zone of RGP contacts surrounded by thinner edges made of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel. Hybrid contacts are the best choice since they have the properties of both. They provide the sharp vision of GP and comfort of soft contacts.

Hybrid contact lenses are custom made and made only following the prescription provided by your eye care professional.

Toric contacts are available in daily, weekly, biweekly and monthly replacement schedules. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in correcting colored toric designs for Astigmatism. After a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens consultation your doctor will be able to prescribe the best for you. Request your eye doctor to provide you the copy of your prescription so that you may buy your toric lenses online if you intend to do.

Buy high quality toric lenses that enhance & change eye color while correcting Astigmatism at half price than that available at the clinic. Note that not everyone with Astigmatism requires toric designs. Only with experimentation and switching between different brands you will be finally able to choose what works best for you.