What Is a Toric Lens?

A toric lens is a special type of soft or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens designed to correct astigmatism, a condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. Toric lenses are more expensive than regular contact lenses.

Function

• People with astigmation have irregularly shaped corneas or lenses that prevent light from focusing properly on the retina. Toric lenses help compensate for that irregularlity.

Identification

• Toric lenses are made from the same materials as regular, spherical contact lenses, either soft gel-like plastic for soft contacts or more rigid plastic for RGP lenses.

Design

• Spherical lenses have the same power throughout the lens and rotate freely on the eye. Toric lenses have two different powers and feature a special design that keeps them from rotating on the eye. They are usually heavier at the bottom to keep the lenses stationary.

Types

• Toric contacts can be non-disposable, daily disposable, colored and multifocal versions. Several manufacturers make silicone hydrogel toric lenses for extended wear. They allow more oxygen to reach the eye than conventional lenses.

Considerations

• Toric lenses are more costly because of their special design and because practitioners usually need more time to fit the lenses properly.