Toric Contact Lenses
July 31, 2008
For years, patients suffering from astigmatism were told they could not correct their vision by wearing contact lenses. That all changed in 1978 when the first toric contact lens was approved for distribution. By the late nineties astigmatic patients were able to finally wear disposable lenses and in 2002 CIBA Vision introduced Focus Dailies Toric, the worlds first daily disposable toric contact lens.
Toric lenses are manufactured with curvatures at different angles, one for astigmatism and the other nearsightedness or farsightedness.� In order to provide crisp vision, it is not acceptable for a toric lens to rotate on your eye so the lenses are made with a mechanism that keeps the lens stable.
Toric lenses can be either soft or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP). The RGP lenses are stiffer than the soft ones and retain their shape on the cornea better. This can result in crisper vision for some people, although many do not notice any difference between the soft and RGP lenses.
The Toric contact lens has a small line on the lens near the identifying numbers to indicate the bottom of the lens. If you orient the lens properly you can avoid the uncomfortable feeling. The Toric contact lens is also heavier in weight so it can take up to a week or more to find comfort when you are first trying them.
Not everyone with an astigmatism needs toric lenses. If the astigmatism is mild - between 0 and 1.00 diopter - you may be able to wear a soft or RGP lens. RGP lenses might fare better as they are rigid and can use the tears in your eyes to work with the misshapen cornea. You might even be able to use a high prescription of regular soft contacts. Your eye doctor will know which you need and you may have to try a few before you find the perfect lens for you.
Rigid gas permeable Toric contact lenses. They are more durable and resist the accumulation of harmful materials. Priced reasonably they offer you a clear vision though you may take a little time adjusting to them.
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