What are Toric lenses?
Toric contacts are shaped specially to create two perpendicular focal points, the shape of Toric lenses is often referred to as a donut shape. This irregular shape is designed to adjust the focusing power for the contact lens wearers.
Who needs a Toric lens?
People often use Toric contact lenses for astigmatism. This refers to the curvature of the eye, whether lenticular astigmatism, regular astigmatism, or corneal astigmatism. Typically, Astigmatism Toric contact lenses are used for corneal astigmatism as they can better fit the usual curve of the eye, so the wearer doesn’t worsen their condition and irritate their eye.
A prescription Toric lens is designed to assist in helping correct astigmatism and the wrong shaped lenses can cause harm to your eye. Speak to your optometrist or doctor which contact lenses for astigmatism issues you need.
What is the difference between regular contact lenses and Toric contact lenses?
While a Toric contact lens is shaped more like a donut, a regular contact lens will have more of a spherical surface, like that of a beach ball. If you have eye astigmatism, you will need to use a Toric contact lens or risk blurry vision and vision problems.
Is it hard to wear Toric lenses?
Unlike regular contact lenses, Toric lenses are designed to be fitted in a specific orientation to ensure your vision is clear. You will find that most Toric lenses have some features to help you with this. Toric contact lenses have a middle axis that needs to be in your line of vision and often have a truncated lens (bottom of lens is cut off) or there are thin and thick areas to keep the contacts from moving.
Does it take long for Toric contact lenses to settle?
No, when fitted correctly your Toric contact lenses will take around 5-10 minutes to settle. Ensure that you follow directions to place the contact lenses correctly in your eye. If you find that you have irritation in one or both your eyes, remove them immediately.
If you are using daily-use Toric lenses, ensure to dispose of your contacts once you have used them and if you have multiple use contact lenses, always take care to clean as directed.