If you've been told you have astigmatism, you may assume that glasses are your only option for clear vision.
The good news is that many people with astigmatism can wear contact lenses.
Modern contact lens designs can correct a wide range of prescriptions, including astigmatism. The key is finding the right type of contact lens and getting a professional fitting to make sure the lenses provide clear, comfortable, and stable vision.
At La Bleu Optique in Midtown Manhattan, our optometrist can evaluate your prescription and help determine which contact lenses for astigmatism may be appropriate for you.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the shape of the cornea or lens causes light to focus unevenly rather than precisely on the retina.
This can result in blurry or distorted vision at different distances.
Astigmatism can occur alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness, and the amount of astigmatism can vary significantly from person to person.
If your prescription includes numbers for CYL (cylinder) and AXIS, these measurements relate to the correction of your astigmatism.
Can Contacts Correct Astigmatism?
Yes. Depending on your prescription and eye health, several types of contact lenses may be considered for someone with astigmatism.
One of the most common options is a toric contact lens.
Unlike a standard spherical contact lens, a toric lens incorporates different corrective powers in different areas of the lens to address astigmatism.
The design also helps the contact lens maintain the correct orientation on your eye. This is important because astigmatism correction needs to remain positioned along a specific axis to provide clear vision.
What Are Toric Contact Lenses?
Toric contacts are lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
They are available in a variety of prescriptions, materials, and replacement schedules, including daily disposable options for many patients.
Because the lens needs to sit in a particular position on the eye, getting the fit right is especially important.
A poorly fitting toric lens may rotate too much, potentially causing vision to fluctuate or become blurry. That's one reason a professional contact lens fitting for astigmatism is essential.
Are Toric Contacts Comfortable?
For many wearers, yes.
Modern soft toric contact lenses are designed with comfort and stability in mind. Once you've found a lens that fits your eyes properly, wearing contacts can become a normal part of your daily routine.
However, everyone's eyes are different.
If a particular contact lens feels uncomfortable, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't wear contacts. Your optometrist may recommend a different material, design, size, or replacement schedule.
Can You Get Daily Contact Lenses for Astigmatism?
Depending on your prescription, daily disposable contacts for astigmatism may be available.
Daily contacts can be especially convenient because you begin each wear with a fresh pair and discard them when you're finished for the day.
There's no nightly cleaning or storage routine, which makes them an attractive option for people who want simple contact lens care or only plan to wear contacts occasionally.
Your optometrist can determine which daily toric lenses are available for your particular prescription.
What If You Have a High Astigmatism Prescription?
Having more astigmatism doesn't automatically mean contact lenses aren't an option.
However, higher or more complex prescriptions may require more specialized contact lens designs.
In some cases, your eye doctor may discuss options beyond standard soft toric lenses. The best choice depends on your exact prescription, corneal shape, eye health, comfort, and visual needs.
Rather than assuming your prescription is "too strong for contacts," schedule a contact lens evaluation to find out what options are actually available.
Why Is a Contact Lens Fitting Important for Astigmatism?
You can't simply convert your glasses prescription into a contact lens prescription and order a pair of contacts.
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, so additional measurements and evaluations are necessary.
During a contact lens exam and fitting, your eye doctor can assess factors such as your prescription, eye health, corneal shape and lens fit. They can also evaluate how the lens behaves on your eye and how clearly you see through it.
For astigmatism, this is particularly important because the orientation and stability of the lens can affect your vision.
Why Do My Toric Contacts Sometimes Get Blurry?
If your vision occasionally becomes blurry while wearing toric contacts and then clears again, lens movement or rotation may be one possible reason.
Dryness, an outdated prescription, lens fit, deposits, or other eye-related factors can also affect how clearly you see.
Persistent blurry vision shouldn't simply be ignored. Your optometrist can examine your eyes and contacts to determine what's causing the problem and whether another lens might provide better results.
Can You Wear Contacts With Astigmatism and Nearsightedness?
Yes. It's very common to have astigmatism along with nearsightedness.
A toric contact lens can incorporate the different components of your prescription to correct both conditions.
Likewise, people with astigmatism and farsightedness may also have contact lens options.
The availability of specific lenses depends on your individual prescription.
What About Astigmatism and Multifocal Contacts?
Some people need correction for astigmatism and presbyopia at the same time.
Specialized multifocal toric contact lenses may be an option for certain patients, providing correction for astigmatism while addressing vision at multiple distances.
These lenses can require a particularly personalized fitting, so discussing your daily visual needs with your optometrist is important.
Should You Choose Contacts or Glasses for Astigmatism?
You don't have to choose just one.
Some people with astigmatism wear contacts every day, while others prefer glasses most of the time and use contacts for exercise, events, travel, or weekends.
You may also prefer different forms of vision correction for different situations.
Having both gives you flexibility.
Find Contact Lenses for Astigmatism in NYC
Astigmatism doesn't necessarily mean you're limited to glasses.
With today's contact lens technology, many people with astigmatism can enjoy clear, comfortable vision with toric contact lenses and other specialized options.
At La Bleu Optique in Midtown Manhattan, our optometrist can examine your eyes, evaluate your prescription, and provide a professional contact lens fitting in NYC to determine which lenses may work best for you.
Whether you've never worn contacts before or you've struggled to find comfortable contacts for your astigmatism in the past, schedule an appointment at La Bleu Optique to explore your options.