Can Contact Lenses Provide an Effective Correction for Astigmatism?
Understanding Astigmatism and Contact Lens Correction
Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens inside your eye. Understanding what causes astigmatism and how contact lenses address it is the first step toward achieving clear, comfortable vision.
Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of your eye, called the cornea, is shaped more like a football than a basketball. Instead of being evenly curved in all directions, the cornea has steeper and flatter areas. This uneven curvature bends light rays unevenly as they enter your eye, causing images to blur at multiple distances. In some cases, the lens inside your eye may also have an irregular shape, which can contribute to astigmatism. Both types cause similar vision problems and can often be corrected with the same contact lens designs.
Many people with astigmatism notice blurred or distorted vision at all distances, making it hard to see fine details whether they are reading a book or looking at a street sign. You may also experience eye strain, headaches after long periods of close work, or difficulty seeing at night. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or wavy vision when looking at objects near and far
- Squinting frequently to bring things into focus
- Eye fatigue or discomfort after reading or using a computer
- Halos or streaks around lights, especially at night
- Difficulty distinguishing fine details or reading small print
Astigmatism often runs in families, so if your parents or siblings have it, you are more likely to develop it as well. Many people are born with some degree of astigmatism, and it may change slowly over time as the eye grows and ages. In some cases, astigmatism can develop after an eye injury, certain eye diseases like keratoconus, or surgery on the cornea. Regular comprehensive eye exams help our ophthalmologists at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel detect astigmatism early and monitor any changes in your prescription.
Standard spherical contact lenses have the same power throughout the entire lens and only correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Because astigmatism involves different curvatures in different directions, most people with clinically significant astigmatism benefit from a lens that provides different powers in different meridians. These specialized lenses, called toric lenses, are designed to stay in a specific orientation on your eye so that the corrective powers line up with the irregular parts of your cornea. Without this precise alignment, your vision would remain blurry even while wearing contacts. For mild astigmatism, some people see well with spherical or aspheric lenses, and our ophthalmologists will determine which option provides the best vision for your individual needs.
Types of Contact Lenses That Correct Astigmatism
Several types of contact lenses can correct astigmatism, each with unique benefits. The right choice depends on the severity of your astigmatism, your lifestyle, and your comfort preferences.
Soft toric lenses are the most common type of astigmatism correction and work well for many patients. These lenses are made from flexible, water-containing materials that conform to the shape of your eye. They have built-in design features, such as thicker zones at the bottom or prism ballast, that help the lens settle into the correct position. We typically recommend soft toric lenses for people with mild to moderate astigmatism who want comfortable, user-friendly contacts. They are available in daily, biweekly, and monthly replacement schedules to fit your lifestyle and budget. Many brands offer extended parameter ranges or custom toric lenses for higher cylinder powers or uncommon axes. Soft toric lenses often require a few minutes after insertion to settle into their final orientation before vision stabilizes.
Rigid gas permeable lenses, often called RGP or GP lenses, are made from firm plastic that allows oxygen to pass through to your cornea. Because they hold a stable shape on your eye rather than molding to it, they can provide sharper, crisper vision than soft lenses for some people with astigmatism. GP lenses offer several advantages:
- Deliver excellent optical clarity, especially for higher amounts of astigmatism
- Maintain their shape, which helps correct irregular corneal surfaces
- Resist deposits and protein buildup better than soft materials
- Provide durable wear and may last longer than soft lenses
- Require a longer adjustment period because they feel firmer on the eye
GP lenses can mask corneal astigmatism through the tear lens that forms between the lens and your cornea, but if you have significant internal astigmatism, a front-toric, back-toric, or bitoric GP design may be needed for optimal vision.
Hybrid contact lenses feature a rigid gas permeable center for clear vision surrounded by a soft outer skirt for comfort. This design aims to give you the sharp optics of a rigid lens while reducing the initial discomfort some people experience with traditional GP lenses. We may recommend hybrid lenses if you have irregular astigmatism or if you have tried soft toric lenses without achieving the vision quality you need. The soft outer edge also helps the lens center more easily and stay in place during activities. Care systems may differ from standard soft lenses, and our team will recommend the appropriate cleaners and disinfectants for your lens material.
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter rigid lenses that vault over your entire cornea and rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera. They create a smooth optical surface by filling the space between the lens and your cornea with saline solution, which can correct even highly irregular corneal shapes. Our ophthalmologists may consider scleral lenses if you have severe astigmatism, keratoconus, corneal scarring, or if other lens types have not provided adequate vision or comfort. Because they are custom-designed for your eye, the fitting process is more involved than with standard lenses. Scleral lenses should be filled with preservative-free sterile saline sold in single-use vials. Never use tap water or multipurpose solutions to fill the lens. Most scleral wearers disinfect with hydrogen peroxide systems and manage application and removal with a plunger. Our team will review techniques to prevent bubbles and manage midday fogging if it occurs.
If you need help with near vision as well as astigmatism, toric multifocal soft lenses are available in many brands and designs. These advanced lenses combine astigmatism correction with multiple focusing zones to help you see clearly at all distances. Multifocal GP and scleral designs can also provide excellent distance and near vision for patients with both astigmatism and presbyopia. Our ophthalmologists will help you choose the design that balances clarity, comfort, and reading needs based on your daily activities and visual demands.
Getting Fitted for Astigmatism Contact Lenses
Proper fitting is essential for contact lenses that correct astigmatism. Our comprehensive fitting process ensures that your lenses provide clear vision, stay in the correct position, and feel comfortable throughout the day.
Your contact lens fitting begins with a thorough eye exam to check your overall eye health and measure your prescription for astigmatism. We test how well you see at different distances, examine the front and back of your eyes, and check for any conditions that might affect lens wear. Key measurements include:
- Refraction to determine your exact astigmatism prescription
- Measurement of your corneal curvature with a keratometer or topographer
- Assessment of your tear film quality and quantity
- Evaluation of your eyelid position and blink pattern
- Measurement of your pupil size in different lighting conditions
To fit toric lenses correctly, our ophthalmologists measure the specific axis of your astigmatism, which tells us the orientation of the steeper and flatter parts of your cornea. This axis is expressed in degrees from 0 to 180, and your lens must align with it to provide clear vision. We use advanced imaging tools like corneal topography to create a detailed map of your corneal surface. This map shows us exactly where the irregular curvature is located and helps us choose a lens design that will sit properly and correct your vision effectively.
Once we select the appropriate lens type and parameters, you will try on diagnostic lenses in our office. We observe how the lenses settle on your eyes, check their alignment, and make sure they rotate to the correct position when you blink. During this trial, we will ask you to look around, blink normally, and tell us how the lenses feel. We may try several different lenses to find the best combination of vision, comfort, and stability for your unique eyes. Soft toric lenses typically need five to fifteen minutes to stabilize, and if the lens consistently rests a few degrees off-axis, we can adjust the ordered axis to compensate and improve your vision.
It is normal to need some time to adjust to wearing contact lenses, especially if you have never worn them before. Soft toric lenses usually feel comfortable right away, but your vision may fluctuate slightly as the lenses settle. Rigid lenses typically require a few weeks of gradual wear to allow your eyes to adapt. We will give you a wearing schedule that starts with shorter periods and gradually increases as your eyes become accustomed to the lenses. Mild awareness of the lens, slight blurriness when you first put them in, or temporary dryness are common during the first week or two and usually resolve with continued wear.
We will schedule a follow-up appointment within the first week or two after you start wearing your lenses. At this visit, we check how well the lenses are fitting, measure your vision with the lenses in place, and look for any signs of irritation or complications. This follow-up includes:
- Evaluation of lens movement and centration on your eye
- Confirmation that the toric lens is staying at the correct axis
- Discussion of any comfort or vision concerns you have noticed
- Adjustments to your prescription or lens type if needed
- Instructions for ongoing care and replacement schedules
- Plan for regular contact lens evaluations, typically annually or as directed, to maintain fit, vision, and eye health
Wearing and Caring for Toric Contact Lenses
Proper wear and care are essential to keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Following these guidelines will help you get the most from your astigmatism-correcting lenses.
Toric lenses have markings or design features that help them orient properly on your eye. When you place the lens on your finger before insertion, check that it is not inside out by looking at the edge profile. Once the lens is on your eye, it will usually rotate into the correct position within a few seconds as you blink. If your vision is blurry right after insertion, wait a minute and blink several times to allow the lens to settle. Some lenses have small indicator marks that our ophthalmologists can see during exams to verify the lens has rotated to the proper axis. Give the lens several minutes to settle before judging clarity.
Unless you are wearing daily disposable lenses, you must clean and disinfect your contacts every night. We recommend using a multipurpose solution approved for your specific lens material, rubbing the lens gently to remove debris and protein, and storing the lens in fresh solution in a clean case. Follow these hygiene steps every time you handle or store your lenses:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
- Rub each lens with solution even if the bottle says no-rub
- Rinse the lens with fresh solution before inserting it
- Never expose lenses or cases to water, and remove lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub
- Never rinse or store lenses or cases in tap water, and never use saliva on lenses
- Do not top off solution, discard old solution and use fresh disinfecting solution every time
- Use products appropriate for your lens type, as GP and scleral lenses often require specific cleaners and conditioning solutions
- If using hydrogen peroxide systems, neutralize fully before insertion and never put unneutralized peroxide directly in your eyes
- Do not extend your replacement schedule, and replace lenses exactly as prescribed
- Replace your lens case every one to three months to prevent contamination
If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or you notice the lens shifting out of position, remove the lens, rinse it with fresh solution, and reinsert it. Make sure the lens is clean and free of debris, as buildup can prevent the lens from settling properly. If rotation continues to be a problem, contact our office so we can evaluate the fit. We may need to try a different lens design with more stabilization features or adjust the parameters to improve how the lens sits on your eye. If the lens consistently rotates in the same direction, we can adjust the ordered axis to improve clarity and provide more stable vision.
Daily disposable toric lenses are used once and then thrown away, which eliminates the need for cleaning and reduces the risk of infection. Biweekly and monthly lenses cost less per day but require nightly cleaning and proper storage. Your choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how well you can follow a care routine. We can help you weigh the convenience of daily lenses against the lower cost of longer-wear options. Many people find that daily disposables are worth the extra expense because they are hassle-free and are often associated with lower rates of infection and inflammation.
Even if you love wearing contact lenses, we recommend having an up-to-date pair of eyeglasses for times when you need to give your eyes a rest. You should remove your contacts before sleeping unless you have been prescribed extended-wear lenses, and you should not wear contacts if your eyes are red, irritated, or infected. Alternating between contacts and glasses throughout the week can reduce the risk of complications and help keep your eyes comfortable. Tell us if you experience persistent discomfort, as this may signal that you need to adjust your wearing schedule or try a different lens type. Use only contact lens compatible lubricating drops as needed, and avoid redness-relief drops while lenses are in your eyes.
Comparing Astigmatism Correction Methods
Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision about which astigmatism correction method best fits your lifestyle and vision goals.
Eyeglasses are often the simplest way to correct astigmatism because they require no contact with your eye and involve minimal daily care. However, glasses can cause distortion at the edges of the lenses, especially with higher prescriptions, and they do not move with your eyes the way contact lenses do. Key differences include:
- Contact lenses provide a wider field of clear vision without frame obstruction
- Lenses move with your eye, so you see clearly in all directions of gaze
- Contacts are more practical for sports, exercise, and active lifestyles
- Glasses are easier to put on and take off and do not require touching your eyes
- Contact lenses can provide more natural vision with less magnification or minification
Soft toric lenses are more comfortable from the start and work well for people with busy schedules who want a quick adaptation. Rigid gas permeable lenses deliver superior vision quality and durability but may take longer to get used to and can feel more noticeable on the eye. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in dusty environments, particles can become trapped under rigid lenses and cause discomfort. If you need lenses that you can wear occasionally rather than every day, soft lenses are usually easier to tolerate with inconsistent wear.
Orthokeratology uses specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. Modern toric orthokeratology designs can treat selected amounts of astigmatism along with myopia. You remove the lenses in the morning and enjoy clear vision throughout the day without wearing contacts or glasses. This approach is reversible and can be a good option for people who prefer not to wear lenses during the day or who are interested in myopia control for their children. However, it requires strict hygiene and regular follow-up to ensure eye health and treatment effectiveness.
Procedures like LASIK and PRK reshape your cornea with a laser to reduce or eliminate astigmatism, potentially freeing you from glasses or contacts. These surgeries are considered safe and effective for many people, but they are elective and come with risks and recovery time. We may discuss refractive surgery as an option if you have a stable prescription, healthy eyes, and realistic expectations about the results. However, contact lenses remain a reversible, flexible choice that can be updated as your vision changes over time. If you have progressive keratoconus or irregular astigmatism, corneal collagen cross-linking may be recommended to stabilize the cornea. Our ophthalmologists will advise on timing and candidacy for any surgical procedures.
Toric contact lenses generally cost more than standard spherical lenses because they are more complex to design and manufacture. Daily disposable toric lenses have the highest per-lens cost, while monthly lenses spread the expense over a longer period. The total investment includes not only the lenses themselves but also the initial fitting fees, follow-up visits, and ongoing supplies like cleaning solution and lens cases. Many patients find that the improvement in vision quality and lifestyle freedom justifies the extra cost compared to glasses alone.
Recognizing Problems and When to Call Us
Knowing the difference between normal adaptation and potential problems helps you protect your eyes and get help when you need it.
In the early days of lens wear, temporary symptoms like increased tear production, light sensitivity, or intermittent blur are typical and usually resolve on their own. Your vision might sharpen and stabilize as you continue wearing the lenses each day. Normal experiences include:
- Light sensitivity that improves within a few days
- A feeling that something is on your eye, especially with rigid lenses
- Increased tearing or watering as your eyes adapt
- Mild redness that resolves quickly after you remove the lenses
- Slight fluctuations in vision as the lenses settle throughout the day
If your vision remains consistently blurry or you see double images even after wearing your lenses for several weeks, the lens prescription or fit may need adjustment. Toric lenses must align precisely with your astigmatism axis, and even a small rotation can degrade vision quality. Contact our office if you find yourself squinting or straining to see clearly with your lenses in place. We will recheck the lens position, measure your vision, and determine whether a different lens design or power is needed to improve your results.
Remove your contact lenses immediately and call us if you develop sudden eye pain, intense redness, sensitivity to light, or discharge from your eye. These symptoms can indicate a serious infection or corneal injury that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. If you notice a white spot on your cornea, a sudden drop in vision, or severe pain, seek same-day urgent eye care. If our office is closed, go to an emergency or urgent eye care facility. Never ignore pain or redness that worsens over time or does not resolve within a few hours of removing your lenses. Early intervention is essential to protect your vision and prevent complications that could lead to permanent damage. For chemical exposures, remove lenses immediately, flush your eyes with sterile saline or clean water for at least fifteen minutes, and seek emergency care.
As your eyes change over time, your contact lens prescription may need updating. Schedule an appointment if you notice that your lenses no longer feel comfortable, your vision has become less sharp, or you experience frequent lens rotation or movement. Warning signs include:
- Lenses that used to feel comfortable now cause irritation
- Vision that was clear at first has gradually declined
- One lens fits well while the other shifts or moves excessively
- You need to replace lenses more often due to deposits or damage
- Increased dryness or discomfort at the end of the day
Frequently Asked Questions About Lens Types
Here are answers to common questions patients ask about contact lenses for astigmatism.
Yes, contact lenses can correct even high levels of astigmatism, though you may need specialty designs like rigid gas permeable, hybrid, or scleral lenses rather than standard soft toric lenses. Our ophthalmologists will evaluate your specific prescription and corneal shape to recommend the most effective lens type for your needs. With today's advanced lens designs and custom parameters, very few cases of astigmatism cannot be successfully corrected with contact lenses.
Sometimes. If your cylinder is low, typically less than one diopter, a spherical or aspheric lens may provide acceptable vision for your daily activities. Our ophthalmologists will confirm during your fitting whether a spherical lens gives you adequate clarity or whether a toric lens would provide noticeably better vision. Many people with mild astigmatism do benefit from toric correction, especially for tasks like night driving or computer work.
Most people do not notice a difference in comfort between toric and regular soft contact lenses once they are on the eye. Toric lenses may be slightly thicker in certain areas to help them stay oriented, but modern designs are made to feel as natural as possible during daily wear. If you have worn regular soft lenses before, the transition to toric lenses is usually seamless.
Toric multifocal lenses can correct astigmatism and presbyopia in a single lens, providing clear vision at all distances. Multifocal GP and scleral designs are also excellent options for patients who need both astigmatism and near vision correction. Our ophthalmologists will discuss your reading and computer needs to determine which design works best for your daily visual demands.
Some manufacturers offer colored toric lenses that correct astigmatism while changing your eye color, though the selection may be more limited than with regular colored contacts. We can help you explore your options if you are interested in cosmetic lenses that also address your vision needs. All colored lenses require a proper fitting and prescription, just like clear contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Care, Cost, and Safety
Understanding the practical aspects of contact lens wear helps you make informed decisions and maintain healthy eyes.
Toric lenses typically cost about twenty to fifty percent more than standard spherical lenses of the same brand and replacement schedule. The exact price difference depends on the manufacturer, lens material, and whether you choose daily, biweekly, or monthly options. During your fitting, we can provide specific pricing for the lens types that work best for your eyes and budget.
Only certain toric lenses are approved for extended wear, meaning you can sleep in them for a limited number of nights as prescribed by our ophthalmologists. Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight use increases your risk of serious eye infections and should be avoided even for short naps. Even when approved for extended wear, sleeping in lenses increases infection risk compared to daily wear. We recommend nightly removal whenever possible to keep your eyes healthy.
No. Water exposure, whether from swimming pools, showers, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water, increases the risk of serious eye infections. Remove your lenses before any water activities to protect your eyes from harmful bacteria and parasites that can be found in water. If you accidentally expose your lenses to water, remove them, clean and disinfect them thoroughly, or replace them if you wear daily disposable lenses.
Use the cleaners and conditioning solutions recommended for your specific lens material, disinfect with approved systems such as hydrogen peroxide, and fill scleral lenses only with preservative-free sterile saline sold in single-use vials. Our team will provide detailed instructions on the care products that are safe and effective for your particular lens type. Never use tap water or multipurpose soft lens solutions for tasks that require preservative-free saline.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel
If you are ready to explore contact lens options for your astigmatism or have questions about which type is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel. Our ophthalmologists serve patients in Penndel, Levittown, Bensalem, Bristol, and throughout Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties, providing personalized care and advanced lens fitting technology. We will work with you to find a solution that delivers clear vision, day-long comfort, and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Doctor and staff professional, knowledgeable, caring. Always a pleasure to visit Refocus!
Julia Lavdas
There was no waiting time. Service was excellent. Dr. Amin took time to listen to my discussion and addressed each problem thoroughly.
Linda Tomeo
Staff extremely helpful and pleasant. Dr. Soll goes the extra mile. My visits are always a pleasure!
Matthew Costello
Dr. Amin excellent. Very knowledgeable, professional. Great personality.
Robin Eichelberger
I love this office. In and out quickly. Staff amazing, friendly. Dr. Soll fantastic. Highly recommend.
Jessica Terneson
Contact Us
Tuesday: Array
Wednesday: Array
Thursday: Array
Friday: Array
Saturday: Array
Sunday: Array