Consider Toric Contact Lenses If You Have Astigmatism

Toric contact lenses arose out of a need that could not be addressed by regular contact lenses. For many years after they were introduced, contact lenses could easily fix nearsightedness and farsightedness but could do nothing for astigmatism. Through careful crafting of contact lenses, it became possible to change where light rays focused on the retina and return the eye to 20/20 vision. Astigmatism is different and posed a special problem that was not solvable by the technology of the that time, forcing people with astigmatism to continue wearing glasses. Toric contact lenses ultimately solved that problem.

Vision problems normally occur because the eyes focus light rays incorrectly in relation to the retina. Nearsightedness causes light rays to focus in front of the retina, while farsightedness causes light rays to focus behind it.

Astigmatism poses a different problem. It is a condition in which the cornea, lens or the entire eyeball is shaped oddly compared to a normal eye. The physical distortion is small, but small differences in the eye create a large effect on vision. Rays of light scatter in many different directions instead of just ahead of, behind, or on the retina. Blurred vision is the unfortunate result of this scattering.

The manner in which astigmatism scatters light made it difficult to produce contact lenses to fix the problem. Toric lenses solved that problem by combining two different geometric shapes so as to focus light properly. Ordinary contact lenses are shaped like half of a sphere, while toric contact lenses combine a spherical shape with a toroidal (donut shaped) one. This unique shape solves astigmatism’s light scattering problem.

Despite their different shape, toric contact lenses are made of all the same materials as other contact lenses. They can be soft, hard, or rigid gas permeable (RGP). Unlike other contact lenses, they can’t be allowed to rotate around the eye–the toric lens shape must remain firmly in place to prevent the scattering of light. That could mean, for example, that they are weighed towards the bottom so as to keep that side of the lens on the bottom part of the eye.

Toric contact lenses can also be designed to fix more than one vision problem simultaneously, such as astigmatism and farsightedness. This flexibility and unique shape of toric lenses makes them more difficult to manufacture correctly, and eye exams and fitting can be more complicated.

As a result of their special qualities, toric lenses are sometimes more expensive. People with a mild astigmatism might avoid the extra expense by just using ordinary contact lenses. The cornea will to some extent conform to the shape of the lens and minimize the scattering of light. In fact, toric lenses may not be necessary at all for mild astigmatism. Only your eye doctor can say for certain after administering an exam.

For people end up needing toric contact lenses, there are many options available. You can purchase single or multifocal lenses. Toric lenses are also available in the same types as regular lenses–disposable, single day wear, weekly wear, monthly wear, and even extended wear.

If you are suffering from astigmatism and want to leave your glasses behind, then consider choosing from a range of toric contact lenses that fit your budget and lifestyle needs.

Looking to find the best deal on toric contact lenses? Visit mytoriccontactlenses.com and find the best toric lenses for you.

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