Contact lenses for astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted sight due to the cornea or lens in your eye not being a spherical curve. At Leightons, we know how this can impact your daily life, which is why we provide toric contact lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or exploring alternatives to glasses, our expert opticians are here to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.

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Types of Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye isn’t completely round (i.e. rugbyball shaped instead of being round like a football) causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. This results in blurry or distorted vision. There are three main types of astigmatism: myopic astigmatism, hyperopic astigmatism, and irregular astigmatism.

These can affect one or both eyes and may also occur alongside other refractive errors, such as myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness). Understanding the type of astigmatism you have helps determine the best corrective solution, such as toric contact lenses, tailored to your specific needs.

Myopic astigmatism

Myopic astigmatism occurs when the cornea’s uneven curvature causes light to focus in front of the retina. Often paired with myopia (short-sightedness), it results in blurry distant vision while close-up objects remain clear.

Hyperopic astigmatism

Hyperopic astigmatism happens when an irregular cornea or lens causes light to focus behind the retina. Commonly linked with hyperopia (long-sightedness), it blurs nearby objects and may cause eye strain.

Irregular astigmatism

This is when the astigmatism varies at different points across the cornea. It is unusual and caused by a number of things, including an injury and corneal conditions like keratoconus.

What are toric contact lenses?

Toric contact lenses are designed specifically to correct astigmatism. Unlike standard contact lenses, which have a uniform shape, toric lenses feature a unique curvature that aligns with the irregular shape of the eye’s cornea or lens. This specialised design ensures that light focuses accurately on the retina, providing sharp, clear vision for individuals with astigmatism.

If you’re considering contact lenses as an alternative to glasses, our experienced opticians are here to guide you through your options, helping you decide between contact lenses or glasses.

How do toric lenses differ from other contact lenses?

Shape and Design

Unlike regular contact lenses, which are shaped like a football with even curves, toric lenses are more like a rugby ball with different curves across the lens to align with the eye’s irregular shape. This helps to correct the varying degrees of focus caused by astigmatism.

Stability and Orientation

Toric lenses are designed to remain in a fixed position on the eye. Features like weighted zones or stabilising edges prevent the lens from rotating, ensuring clear and consistent vision. Regular lenses, by contrast, can rotate freely without affecting vision since their power is uniform.

Prescription Complexity

Toric lenses correct both common refractive errors—such as short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia)—and the additional refractive error caused by astigmatism. This makes them a more tailored solution than standard spherical lenses, which are uniformly shaped like a football.

Material Options

Toric lenses are available in soft or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) materials. Soft toric lenses are commonly chosen for their comfort, while RGP lenses can be more precisely tailored for those with significant astigmatism, offering sharper and more accurate vision correction. With various types of contact lenses available, our opticians will help you find the ideal option for your vision and lifestyle.

How can I get toric contact lenses?

Book an Eye Test

Start with a comprehensive eye examination to evaluate your vision and eye health. This helps determine the extent of your astigmatism and whether toric lenses are the right solution for you.

Book an eye test

Contact Lens Consultation

During a personalised consultation, our opticians will discuss your needs and lifestyle while explaining how toric lenses work.

Lens Fitting

Accurate measurements are essential to ensure toric lenses fit perfectly and provide clear, comfortable vision. Our team will help you find lenses that feel natural and suit your individual needs. We’ll also guide you step-by-step on how to apply, remove, and care for your lenses, so you feel confident and comfortable using them.

Trial Period

Once fitted, you’ll trial your toric lenses to ensure they provide clear, stable vision and meet your comfort expectations. We'll follow up with you to check how you're getting on. If needed, we can explore other lens options to make sure you get the best fit and vision.

Follow-up Appointments

Regular follow-ups allow us to monitor your eye health, address any concerns, and fine-tune your lenses if needed.

Can you wear gas-permeable contact lenses for astigmatism?

Yes, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are highly effective at correcting astigmatism. They offer precise vision correction and a range of parameters tailored to individual needs. If you’re interested in alternative options, Ortho K lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This makes them an excellent choice for activities like water sports or an active lifestyle. However, while Ortho-K can correct lower levels of astigmatism, they are not suitable for all types. A thorough assessment is required to determine if your astigmatism can be corrected with Ortho-K lenses.

Can aspheric contact lenses help astigmatism?

Aspheric contact lenses can improve visual clarity for individuals with mild astigmatism, though they are not specifically designed to correct significant astigmatism. Your optician can assess whether they’re a suitable option for you.

Are toric contact lenses more expensive?

Toric lenses are more complex than regular lenses as they correct both standard refractive errors and astigmatism. Their specialised design often results in a slightly higher cost, but many wearers find the improved clarity and comfort well worth the investment.

Are toric contact lenses soft or hard?

Toric lenses are available in both soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) materials. Soft lenses are typically preferred for their comfort, while RGP lenses provide sharper vision for those with complex prescriptions.

Are toric lenses multifocal?

Yes, toric lenses can be multifocal. These lenses are designed to correct astigmatism while addressing presbyopia, providing clear vision at multiple distances. They’re an excellent option for individuals with astigmatism who also require help with near and far vision.