Toric Contact Lenses: What to Know

Toric contact lenses are a type of contact lens specifically designed to correct astigmatism, a common refractive error in which the cornea is shaped more like a football than a sphere. Astigmatism can cause blurry or distorted vision, and toric lenses can help to address this issue.

Here are Some Important Things to Know About Toric Contact Lenses

• Fitting: Toric contact lenses require a more precise fitting than regular contact lenses. Your eye doctor will need to take measurements of the curvature of your cornea and the angle of your astigmatism to ensure that the lenses fit properly.

• Orientation: Unlike regular contact lenses, toric lenses have a specific orientation. They must be positioned correctly on your eye to correct your astigmatism. There is usually a small marking on the lens to help you know which way it should be oriented.

• Types: Toric contact lenses come in soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) materials. Soft lenses are more comfortable, but RGP lenses provide sharper vision and are more durable.

• Cost: Toric contact lenses are generally more expensive than regular contact lenses due to their specialized design and fitting process.

• Care: Toric lenses require proper care and maintenance, like all contact lenses. Follow your eye doctor's instructions for cleaning and storing your lenses to ensure they remain in good condition and provide clear vision.

• Comfort: While toric lenses are designed to be comfortable, they may take some time to get used to. Some wearers report experiencing initial discomfort or dryness, but these symptoms often improve.

• Availability: Not all eye doctors or optometrists may have toric lenses available in their offices. Be sure to ask about availability when scheduling your appointment.

• Prescription: To get toric contact lenses, you will need a specific prescription that includes your astigmatism correction needs. Your eye doctor can determine if toric lenses are right for you and write the appropriate prescription.

• Lifestyle: Your lifestyle and daily activities can impact the type of toric lenses you choose. If you participate in sports or other physical activities, you may prefer more durable RGP lenses. If you have a busy lifestyle or spend a lot of time on the computer, you may prefer softer, more comfortable lenses.

• Maintenance: Proper lens maintenance is crucial to avoid eye infections and ensure your lenses provide clear vision. This includes cleaning and storing your lenses as recommended by your eye doctor and replacing them according to the recommended schedule.

• Wearing Schedule: Your eye doctor recommends a wearing schedule based on your needs and lifestyle. This may include daily or extended wear, allowing you to wear your lenses for several days continuously.

These are just a few additional things to know when considering toric contact lenses. As always, it's important to discuss your specific needs and concerns with your eye doctor to determine if toric lenses are the right choice for you.

Overall, toric contact lenses can be a great option for people with astigmatism who want to enjoy clear vision without glasses. However, they require a more precise fitting process and proper care to provide the best possible vision correction. Johnson & Johnson is a trusted manufacturer of contact lenses that offers a variety of options to meet the needs of different individuals.

Some of most popular Johnson and Johnson contact lenses include the Acuvue Oasys line, designed for daily wear and provides a comfortable fit for long hours of use. The Acuvue Vita line is another popular option, offering a monthly replacement schedule and HydraMax technology to keep the lenses moist and comfortable.