what is a toric contact lens

Toric contact lenses are a type of contact lens designed to correct astigmatism, which is caused by a different curvature of the cornea or lens in the eye. Unlike standard contact lenses, which have a spherical surface, toric lenses are shaped like a slice of the side of a donut, creating different refractive powers on the vertical and horizontal orientations. The shape of toric contact lenses means that fitting them to the eyes is even more important than usual. Toric contact lenses have a middle axis, like the Earth’s equator, that keeps the line of vision clear. If the lenses don’t fit well and slip, visual clarity is affected. Toric contact lenses can also address other visual corrections and come in every wear schedule, including dailies and other disposable lenses, and even colored lenses. Toric contacts are made in both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, with RGP lenses being better at staying put but involving a longer initial adjustment time and being drier and more delicate, while soft toric contact lenses are more comfortable. When prescribed toric contacts, there will be a cylinder (CYL) and an axis (AX) column on the contact lens prescription. The cylinder indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism, while the axis represents the lens meridian that has no cylinder power to correct astigmatism. Toric contact lenses require a precise fitting, which eye doctors can provide.