Living with astigmatism doesn’t mean you have to wear glasses (though you’re certainly welcome to!). Thanks to continued progress in contact lens design, there are now daily disposable options, called toric lenses, available for people with astigmatism.
Understanding Astigmatism & Contact Lens Options
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea may be shaped more like a football. This irregular curve changes how light enters the eye, which can cause objects to appear blurry at both near and far distances.
Multiple Lenses, One Goal: Clearer Vision
People with astigmatism aren’t limited to just one kind of contact lens. While soft toric lenses are among the most popular choices, they aren’t the only ones available. Other lens options include:
- Soft toric lenses: These are often available in daily disposable form and are designed with different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct astigmatism. Built-in stabilization features help keep the lens from rotating.
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: These small, firm lenses retain their shape on the eye, which can provide sharper vision than soft lenses for some patients with astigmatism. They are typically reused and require nightly cleaning, though daily-wear RGP lenses are being explored in some cases.
- Hybrid lenses: These lenses have a rigid center and a soft outer skirt, offering a balance of clarity and comfort. While hybrid lenses are not commonly available in a daily disposable format, they can still be a strong option for some astigmatism patients.
Each lens type has its own advantages, and we can help guide you toward the option that suits your eye shape, lifestyle, and comfort preferences.
Why Choose Daily Contact Lenses?
Convenience Without Compromise
For people who want low-maintenance vision correction, daily disposable contact lenses are often a good match. They’re worn for a single day, then discarded before bed. This means no cleaning, no storing, and no buildup from multiple days of wear.
A Hassle-Free Alternative to Glasses
Many people with astigmatism are surprised by how much more flexible their vision correction options become once they explore daily lenses. You don’t need to rely on glasses every day, and you also don’t have to deal with multi-step cleaning routines or worry about protein deposits building up over time.
Benefits of Daily Soft Toric Lenses
Daily soft toric lenses can be a practical choice for those who:
- Prefer a fresh, clean lens each day
- Don’t want to deal with cleaning solutions
- Experience dryness or discomfort with longer-wear lenses
- Wear contact lenses occasionally rather than full-time
Not every brand of daily contact lenses includes a toric option, but the market has grown to include a variety of choices that support hydration, stability, and oxygen flow—all of which are important for comfort and eye health.
Getting Fitted for Astigmatism Lenses
Why a Professional Fitting Matters
If you’ve never worn contacts before or are trying a new type of lens, a professional fitting is key. Toric lenses, RGPs, and hybrids all interact with your eye in different ways. A fitting helps ensure your lenses sit properly, remain stable, and offer the best possible vision.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your fitting, our team will assess your eye’s shape, prescription, and daily routines. We may trial multiple lens types to see what feels and performs best. The goal is to find a solution that offers visual clarity without compromising comfort.
Lens Features That Support Your Lifestyle
Technology That Enhances Comfort
Different brands use different technologies to help lenses stay hydrated, breathable, and stable on the eye. Even within the daily lens category, there’s a lot of variation in how lenses feel and perform.
Some daily contact lenses are made with materials that retain moisture, making them a helpful option for patients who struggle with dryness. Others focus on oxygen permeability or include UV-blocking features.
Ideal for Active & Digital Lifestyles
These benefits can make a noticeable difference if you:
- Spend a lot of time outside
- Work long hours at a screen
- Want to reduce end-of-day eye fatigue
Not every lens works for every person, so trialing a few can be part of the process. With professional guidance, you can zero in on a good match without wasting time or discomfort on trial and error.
The Importance of Personalized Care
More Than Just a Prescription
Finding the right contact lens isn’t just about matching a brand to your prescription. It also involves understanding how a lens interacts with your unique eye shape, blink pattern, and daily habits. That’s why you should work with an optometry team that takes time to walk through your options and monitor your experience.
Revisit Your Options
If you’ve been told in the past that contact lenses weren’t a good fit for your astigmatism, now might be the time to take another look. The technology behind daily toric lenses has come a long way, and there are more options available than ever before. Book an appointment to see how guidance from the team at Eclectic Eyewear, and a little patience during the fitting process can make daily contact lenses a comfortable, dependable solution for everyday vision correction.
