A study conducted by the British Contact Lens Association states that almost 50%of the population in the UK has some degree of astigmatism in one or both eyes. While regular contact lenses can correct distance-related vision problems, conditions like astigmatism require specialised lenses like toric contact lenses.
Since astigmatism is quite common and often overlooked it is important to know the differences between toric and regular lenses, which will help you know about them before making a purchase.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. This condition happens when the cornea (the outer clear, round structure of the eye) is shaped more like a rugby ball compared to a ‘normal/spherical’ eye that’s round in shape.
What are toric contact lenses?
Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct the effects of astigmatism. Toric lenses form the shape of a torus that bends and focuses the light entering your eyes, providing clear vision. Unlike regular spherical lenses, which have the same prescription power across the lens surface, toric ones have different powers across different lens meridians. This difference allows them to correct astigmatism, thereby providing clearer vision.
What are regular contact lenses?
Regular contact lenses, on the other hand, correct myopia (near-sightedness) and hyperopia (far-sightedness). They have a uniform curvature and power throughout the lens, which is suitable for these common refractive errors but are not suited to correct astigmatism.
Key differences between toric and regular contact lenses
There are unique features that differentiate toric contact lenses from regular ones:
| Features | Toric Contact Lenses | Regular Contact Lenses |
| Unique design | Designed like a torus that takes the shape of a rugby ball-like eye. | Designed like a slice of a ball that covers the eye lens surface uniformly |
| Vision correction | Corrects astigmatism and provides clear vision. | Can only correct myopia and hyperopia |
| Fitting | Requires a more precise fit due to its design but offers unparalleled support to correct astigmatism. | Needs no extra attention for fitting after a thorough contact lens fitting session, however, doesn’t correct astigmatism. |
Who needs toric contact lenses?
Toric lenses are ideal for those who have astigmatism. These lenses offer complete vision correction beyond what regular lenses can provide.
Benefits of toric contact lenses over regular lenses
Having a pair of toric contact lenses is a life-saver. Here’s why:
- Toric lenses offer a clearer, more stable vision for those with astigmatism.
- These lenses can be tailored to different levels of astigmatism and individual eye shapes.
- These lenses incorporate features like LACREON technology, Visitint technology and more, that offers unparalleled comfort to contact lens users. The technology will depend on the brand and product one is after.
How to choose between toric and regular contact lenses
When purchasing contact lenses, it is important to consult with your optician to determine which type of lenses are most suitable. Factors such as your eye health, prescription and l lifestyle play an important role. After your optician has suggested a suitable type of toric contact lenses, and once you have been through the lens fitting session, you can make a purchase. Buy contact lenses online from authorised eye care retailers such as Feel Good Contacts. This will help you save a lot of time and money while purchasing 100% genuine products only.
Feel Good Contacts is an award-winning eye care retailer in UK that sells premium-quality toric contact lenses from popular brands including Acuvue, Biofinity, Dailies and other eye care essentials at highly affordable prices. You can also enjoy year-round discounts, price match, next day delivery, easy returns and much more when you shop with them.
[A1]Image link: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/myopia-hyperopia-astigmatism-common-vision-disorders-2267961313
