Toric contact lenses for astigmatism

What are Toric Contact Lenses?

Toric contact lenses are used to correct astigmatism. They equal out the refractive error caused by an irregular shaped cornea or crystalline lens, which can distort and blur your vision. Toric contact lenses are available for daily, two weekly or monthly.

Lenstore offers a selection of toric lenses from the biggest brands, including the established manufacturers Johnson & Johnson with their popular Acuvue brand, CooperVision who have 40 years of experience, and the joint eye health specialists CIBA Vision and Alcon.

What does it mean if I have astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a very common eye condition, just as common as short or long-sightedness, and occurs when the cornea or the lens of the eye is not round and spherical but rather shaped irregularly, being slightly elongated for example.

The light that enters the eyes does not focus evenly on one point but has several points of focus. This prevents the processing of clear imagery and your vision may appear blurry or warped.

How Do Toric Contact Lenses Correct Astigmatism?

Toric contact lenses use two powers (sphere and cylinder) running across the lens to bend light at a specific angle (axis). As the light enters your eyes both powers combined are able to re-adjust and correct the distorted image, caused by astigmatism.

This means, you can find three numbers on your astigmatic prescription, which may look like this: -1.00 (Sphere) / -1.25 (Cylinder) x 180 (Axis)

The lenses need to sit in a stable position and to ensure this, most soft toric contact lenses use a ballast system technology where parts of the lens are slightly thicker and therefore heavier, to keep them in place for clear and sharp vision. Different manufacturers have their own variation of stabilisation designs which help realign the lenses during blinking or head motions. Due to the advanced technologies required to manufacture toric lenses, they tend to be more expensive than spherical contact lenses (for myopia or hyperopia).

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Benefits of Toric Contact Lenses

Best Selling Toric Contact Lenses

How Much Do Toric Contact Lenses Cost?

FAQs

Benefits of Toric Contact Lenses

Manufacturers have developed advanced technologies over the years so that those with astigmatism can enjoy the comfort and clear vision provided by toric contact lenses. Thanks to this, toric lenses are available in a wider range of prescription and have become more popular over recent years.

• Stable Vision:Ideal for those who require clear and stable vision all the time, regardless of head motions.
• Variety:Whether you wear lenses only for aesthetic purposes, on special occasions when you want to leave your glasses at home, or every day for work or university, you have the choice between dailies, bi-weeklies and monthlies.
• Comfortable:Toric lenses are developed with hydrating technologies to keep your eyes moisturised and comfortable all day long.

Types of Toric Contact Lenses

No matter what type of toric lens you need, you must have a contact lens fitting and request your contact lens prescription from your optician before ordering.

With toric lenses, in particular, the prescription can differ from your glasses prescription, as soft contact lenses are manufactured in specific measurements to sit accurately on your eyes. If you’ve already had a contact lens fitting but don’t hold a copy of your prescription, you will be able to contact your optician who may send it to you via post or email.

If you are neither short nor long-sighted, your sphere will be zero (+0.00/-1.25x180).

On your prescription, you will find the name of the contact lenses you have been fitted for, the base curve (BC) and diameter (DIA), as well as the sphere, cylinder, and axis. The name of the contact lenses will be the brand or manufacturer and modality, for example, 1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism. This helps you find the right lenses on our website.

To help you find the right type of toric contact lenses we’ve prepared the following guide:

Daily Toric Lenses

Daily toric contact lenses are ideal for a busy lifestyle. They can simply be disposed of after wearing once, no cleaning-regime required.

	1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism	1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism are daily toric contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson. Simply wear them once and throw them away at the end of the day. The Eyelid Stabilised Design is used to help stabilise the lenses on your eyes and hold them in place to deliver sharp vision even during vigorous head movements.

Two Weekly Toric Lenses

Two weekly toric lenses, or ‘bi-weeklies’, can be worn for up to two weeks when they are removed, cleaned, and stored properly every night.

	Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism	Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism are bi-weekly toric lenses, made from an oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel material. The Hydraclear Plus technology helps to balance your tear film to keep the lenses moist and your eyes comfortable. They also feature Class 1 UV-Protection against harmful sun rays which makes them ideal if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Monthly Toric Lenses

Monthly toric contact lenses can be worn for up to 30 days before being replaced with a new pair. They need to be removed, cleaned, and stored accordingly overnight.

	Biofinity Toric	Biofinity Toric are monthly toric lenses manufactured by CooperVision. The lenses last for up to 30 days making them a cost-effective option. They are made with the silicone hydrogel material Comfilcon A, which has a water content of 48% and allows a high level of oxygen to your eyes as well as improved comfort during wear.

Multifocal Toric Lenses

Multifocal toric lenses are designed for those who have astigmatism and presbyopia.

	Proclear Multifocal Toric	Proclear Multifocal Toric are unique as they correct both astigmatism and presbyopia. Although astigmatism may occur at any age, it is common for people over the age of 40 to develop presbyopia, which makes it harder to focus on text or objects up close. Previously, astigmatic contact lens wearers had to add reading glasses or wear monovision contact lenses to correct presbyopic vision. Thanks to CooperVision’s Balanced Progressive Technology, these lenses are able to correct both conditions, giving you stable and sharp vision across all distances.

Best Selling Toric Contact Lenses

There is a huge variety of soft toric contact lenses and with so many options it can sometimes be overwhelming. To make it easier for you, we’ve listed our best-selling toric lenses.

Before you try a new contact lens brand, please consult with your optician to ensure that the alternative is suitable for you and fitted correctly.

Top Five Best-Sellers
	1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism	These daily toric contact lenses are ideal for everyone with an active lifestyle, no maintenance required. 1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism are designed with Lacreon Technology, a wetting technology that was developed by Johnson & Johnson, to reduce irritation and ensure a comfortable wearing experience all day long.
	Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Toric	Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric are daily toric contact lenses manufactured by Alcon. They incorporate a Precision Curve Lens Design that allows the lenses to sit safely in your eyes and reduces rotation to a minimum. This helps to provide stability and crisp vision all day long.
	Biofinity Toric	Biofinity Toric are monthly lenses for those with astigmatism and can be worn for up to 30 days. They need to be removed, cleaned and stored properly overnight. They are also licenced for continuous wear for up to 29 nights – whether this is a suitable option for you, needs to be confirmed with your optician beforehand. Wearers recommend these lenses and describe them as ‘super comfortable’.
	Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism	Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism are daily disposable toric lenses manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. They are made from breathable silicone hydrogel material combined with an added wetting agent through Hydraluxe technology. These lenses support long-lasting hydration and optimum comfort during wear. They have Class 1 UV protection, which helps protect from harmful sun rays, ideal for everyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
	Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism	Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism are two-weekly toric lenses which means they can be worn for up to 14 days as daily wear. They are also suitable for extended wear of 6 consecutive days and nights – in which case they need to be disposed of after one week -please always confirm with your optician before wearing the lenses overnight. These lenses are made from oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel and are a cost-effective and convenient option for wearers with astigmatism who will benefit from optimum freshness and comfort.

Best for a Busy Lifestyle

If you have an active lifestyle and prefer to wear your lenses all day and night, toric contact lenses that are suitable for continuous/extended wear might be a convenient option for you. These lenses can be worn overnight while sleeping making them a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles. Remember to consult your optician before wearing your lenses overnight to ensure this is a suitable option for your eye health.

	Bausch and Lomb Ultra for Astigmatism	Designed for all-day comfort and consistently clear vision, Bausch & Lomb Ultra for Astigmatism are monthly-use silicone hydrogel toric contact lenses. Suited for wearers that spend extended time on digital devices. Ultra lenses uses MoistureSeal Technology keeps 95% moisture on the surface of the lens, providing a hydrating experience for 16 hours of wear.

Best for Allergies

Contact lens wearers with seasonal or household allergies may wish to stray away from reusable contact lenses that can collect particles of dust and pollen. Additionally, most multi-purpose cleaning solutions have added preservatives that can cause irritation for those with allergies. Daily toric lenses are a great option to ensure that all those irritants leave your eyes with the lens at the end of the day and are not re-inserted the next day.

Please note, if you are using anti-allergy eye drops to reduce your symptoms, always confirm with your optician whether these can be used alongside your daily disposable contact lenses.

	Clariti 1 Day Toric	Clariti 1 Day Toric lenses from CooperVision are a daily disposable lens which makes them ideal if you have astigmatism and suffer from allergies. Simply insert the lens at the start of your day and throw it away at the end, so that no allergens can stick to the lens and cause irritation. They make use of advanced WetLoc technology which allows maximum wettability to support healthy and bright eyes.

Best for UV Protection

When you spend a lot of time outdoors and in direct sunlight, you need to protect your skin and your eyes from harmful UV rays. Some toric contact lenses offer UV protection to prevent sun damage on your cornea. Please note that these do not replace protective sunglasses for the delicate skin surrounding your eyes.

	Avaira Vitality Toric	Avaira Vitality Toric offers Class 1 UV protection to help block harmful UVA and UVB rays, making them ideal if you work outdoors or spend a lot of your time outside. They are monthly use contact lenses and they can be worn for up to 30 days, which need to be removed every evening, cleaned, and stored properly overnight.

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How Much Do Toric Contact Lenses Cost?

The price of toric contact lenses is dependent on the modality of your chosen lenses, as well as the pack size.

Are toric contact lenses more expensive?

Yes, toric contact lenses are more expensive than regular contact lenses. This is because toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, which is a more complex condition than nearsightedness or farsightedness. Toric lenses also require more specialised manufacturing processes, which drives up the cost.

The exact price difference between toric and regular contact lenses can vary depending on the brand, type, and where you purchase them.

The average price for one box with 6 monthly lenses is £27. This will last you for up to six months.

FAQs

Do I have to wear toric lenses if I have astigmatism?

No, you don't have to wear toric lenses if you have astigmatism. If you have mild astigmatism, you may be able to get by with contact lenses that are not toric. However, if you have moderate to severe astigmatism, you will likely need to wear toric lenses to achieve clear vision.

You may see an astigmatism addressed on your glasses prescription but not on your contact lens prescription, this means your level of astigmatism is low and it is not necessary to correct it with contact lenses. However, if your contact lens prescription is for toric lenses and states the cylinder and axis measurements, it is not recommended to wear normal (spherical) contact lenses. It is important that you always wear contact lenses advised and prescribed by your optician.

What happens if you wear regular contact lenses when you have astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism that should be corrected with toric lenses and want to wear normal (spherical) contact lenses, your short or long-sightedness may be corrected, but the astigmatism will remain uncorrected and your vision will continue to appear blurred or distorted.

What is the difference between toric lenses and regular lenses?

Regular contact lenses are spherical lenses that have the same curvature all the way around. This means that they can only correct for one type of refractive error, such as near-sightedness or farsightedness.

Toric contact lenses, on the other hand, are designed to correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is not perfectly round. Toric contact lenses have different curvatures in different parts of the lens. This allows them to correct for the different focusing powers needed to see clearly at all distances.

Are contact lenses better than glasses for astigmatism?

Both glasses and contact lenses can correct astigmatism and each one comes with different advantages. Most contact lenses can correct up to moderate-high levels of astigmatism, while specialist contact lenses can offer a more bespoke correction for complex prescriptions.

Some people with astigmatism do better with contact lenses than glasses because lenses provide an unobstructed, wider range of view than glasses. Toric lenses are ideal for those with an active lifestyle, as they stay secure on the eye and offer clear peripheral vision even during vigorous movements.

Why are my toric contact lenses blurry?

When your toric contact lenses result in blurry vision it is possible that your lenses may have rotated off-axis on the eye. You can try blinking a few times to move them to the correct position.

It is also possible that your prescription could have changed or the lenses do not fit correctly. Please contact your optician to confirm your prescription details.

How to put in toric contact lenses?

Toric contact lenses are inserted in the same way as regular lenses.

1. 1. First things first, wash and dry your hands
2. 2. Next, open the foil pack or plastic contact lens container
3. 3. Use your index finger to gently lift the contact lens out of its packet
4. 4. Check the lens for any tears or dirt and that it’s not inside out
5. 5. With your other hand, lift your upper eyelid while also pulling your lower eyelid down (this will help you to not blink)
6. 6. Now place the contact lens gently over your iris - the lens will go into place by itself, so you don’t need to touch your eye
7. 7. Look up and down, then blink a couple of times - your contact lens should now be settled in place
8. 8. Repeat for your other eye

Is it harder to put contacts in with astigmatism?

Yes, it can be harder to put contacts in with astigmatism. This is because toric contact lenses are designed to rotate on the eye to align with the irregular shape of the cornea. This can make it more difficult to get the lens to stay in place.

Here are some tips for putting in toric contact lenses:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Tilt your head back and look up.
• Gently pull down on your lower eyelid.
• Hold the lens between your index finger and thumb.
• Place the lens on your eye so that the flatter side is facing down.
• Gently blink your eyes a few times to help the lens move into place.

If you are having trouble putting in your toric contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor. They can help you learn how to put them in properly.

How do you wear and remove toric lenses?

Toric contact lenses can be worn and removed just like other soft contact lenses, the process does not differ from that with regular lenses. Before handling the lenses, please ensure your hands are washed and dry.

You need to insert the lenses carefully, by lifting your lower and upper eyelid and setting the lens, balanced on your index finger, gently on your eye. Toric lenses will stabilise after a few blinking motions thanks to the ballast points.

To remove the lenses, lift your eyelids as before and gently pinch and grip the lens with your index finger and thumb. If you are using two weekly or monthly lenses, clean them with the solution recommended by your optician and store in a clean lens case with fresh solution overnight.

How long can you wear toric contact lenses?

The wear time of toric lenses depends on the modality of the lens type you have been prescribed for.

Daily toric lenses can be worn once. Two-weekly contact lenses can be worn daily for up to 14 days and monthly lenses for up to 30 days as daily wear.

Please always follow your optician’s advice to confirm which duration is best for the health of your eyes.

What are the benefits of toric contact lenses?

Here are some of the benefits of toric contact lenses:

• Improved vision: Toric contact lenses can provide clear vision for people with astigmatism. This can be a major benefit for people who have difficulty seeing clearly, especially when looking at objects up close or at a distance.
• Comfort: Toric contact lenses are available in a variety of materials and designs, so you can find a pair that is comfortable for you. Some people find that toric contact lenses are more comfortable than glasses.
• Freedom: Toric contact lenses can give you the freedom to participate in activities that you may not be able to do with glasses, such as swimming, playing sports, or wearing sunglasses.

What are the disadvantages of toric lenses?

Toric lenses have some disadvantages, including:

• Fit: Toric lenses need to be fitted carefully to ensure that they are aligned correctly on the eye. If they are not aligned correctly, they can cause blurred vision or discomfort.
• Movement: Toric lenses can move around on the eye more than regular contact lenses. This can cause blurred vision or discomfort.
• Discomfort: Toric lenses can be more uncomfortable for some people than regular contact lenses. This is because they are thicker and have a different shape.

Overall, toric lenses are a safe and effective way to correct astigmatism. However, they do have some disadvantages that you should be aware of before you decide if they are right for you.

Can you get varifocal contact lenses for astigmatism?

Yes, you can get varifocal contact lenses for astigmatism. These lenses are also called toric multifocal contact lenses. They are designed to correct both astigmatism and presbyopia, which is the age-related loss of near vision.

There are two main multifocal toric contact lenses, Bausch and Lomb Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism and Proclear Multifocal Toric.

Are toric contact lenses soft or hard?

Toric contact lenses can be either soft or hard. Soft toric contact lenses are made of a flexible material that allows them to conform to the shape of the eye. Hard toric contact lenses are made of a rigid material that does not flex as easily.

Soft toric contact lenses are more popular than hard toric contact lenses because they are more comfortable and easier to wear.

Are toric contact lenses uncomfortable?

Toric contact lenses can be uncomfortable for some people because they are slightly thicker than spherical contact lenses. This thickness can cause some people to feel slight pressure or discomfort in their eyes.

Additionally, toric contact lenses need to be aligned correctly to provide optimal vision. If the lenses are not aligned properly, they can cause some people to feel eye strain or dizziness. However, if your toric contact lenses are fitted correctly by your optician your lenses should feel comfortable.

Here are some tips to help make toric contact lenses more comfortable:

• Make sure the lenses are properly fitted by an optician.
• Use a contact lens solution that is designed for comfort.
• Available in a variety of wear schedules, including daily disposables, extended wear, and biweekly.
• Replace your lenses according to your opticians’ instructions.
• If you experience any discomfort, remove the lenses, and consult with your optician.

Are toric contact lenses worth it?

Yes, if you have astigmatism and want to achieve clear, crisp vision without glasses, then toric contact lenses may be a good option for you. Toric lenses can provide excellent vision correction for astigmatism, and they can be very comfortable to wear.

Here are some of the pros of toric contact lenses to help you decide if they are right for you:

Pros:

• Can provide excellent vision correction for astigmatism.
• Can be very comfortable to wear.
• Available in a variety of wear schedules, including daily disposables, extended wear, and biweekly.

Can I get coloured contact lenses for astigmatism?

Lenstore does not offer coloured contact lenses that correct astigmatism. This is because toric contact lenses are more difficult to manufacture than regular contact lenses.

Can you sleep in toric contact lenses?

No, you should not sleep in toric contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.

Sleeping in contact lenses that are not designed for overnight wear can increase the risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers, and other serious eye problems.

What type of contact lens is best for astigmatism?

The best type of contact lens for astigmatism will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include:

1. 1. The severity of your astigmatism
2. 2. Your lifestyle
3. 3. Your comfort level with contact lenses
4. 4. Your budget

Here are some of the best toric contact lenses on the market:

• Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
• Biofinity Toric
• Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism
• Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism
• Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric
• 1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism