Toric Contact Lenses

Toric lenses are made from the same materials as regular contact lenses but have a few extras. The main difference is in these lenses lies in the design of the lens itself. Toric lenses are created with curvatures at different angles. They correct for both spherical and cylindrical aberration.

With toric lenses, the optical surfaces have the effect of a cylindrical lens, usually in combination with the effect of a spherical lens. There is one power for astigmatism and another for hyperopia.or myopia. People who have been told they are not good candidates for contact lenses, such as those with myopia or hyperopia who also have astigmatism, many very well be able to use the toric lenses. Sometimes, an eye professional may reccomend a toric lens in one eye and a spherical lens in the other.

Facts in brief about toric lenses

• Toric lenses have a top and bottom. Spherical lenses have the same power all around, whereas toric lenses have two different powers in the lens, which is why they must remain in position. With toric lenses, there is a mechanism in the lens itself that prevents rotating on the eye with blinking. Other toric lenses are ballasted, or thicker, at the bottom to keep it stable. These lenses often have tiny marks to help with proper placement.

• Toric lenses can be soft or RGP (Rigid gas permeable). The RGP lenses, made from silicone and fluorine, which are rigid oxygen-permeable materials, are thought to provide sharper vision and last longer than the soft lenses. They are more resistant to proteins and other deposits and easier to keep clean.

• There are multifocal torics that correct presbyopia, which are usually non-disposable. (RGP lens is most often prescribed here.)

• Torics are available as disposable, daily disposable, and frequent replacement lenses.

• Toric lenses are also available in a variety of colors to enhance or change your natural eye color; however, only some toric colored lenses are disposable.

• Being fit properly for toric lenses is more time consuming than regular contact lenses and requires more expertise; therefore the cost of the fitting alone will be greater. The lenses are also more costly than regular spherical lenses

There are many brands of soft toric lenses are on the market today. With advice from your eye care practitioner, you can find the brand that has the best characteristics for you.

FYI - You may be a candidate for a regular soft lens or spherical RGP lens if you have a minor astigmatism (O and 1.00 diopter, +1.00 or -1.00) since the rigidity of the RGP lens help mask the need for astigmatic correction. The cornea will actually conform to the shape of the lens. To mask a small astigmatic correction, sometimes eye care professionals will recommend a higher-powered spherical soft lens. This technique varies among patients and may take some trial and error.

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Toric Lenses

toric contact lenses

Toric Contact Lenses

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