There’s a (relatively) new kid on the block when it comes to toric contact lenses: Frequency 55 Toric. According to their maker, CooperVision, these lenses are increasing quickly in popularity due to superior wearing comfort, excellent visual acuity and a convenient monthly replacement schedule. They also offer the flexibility of either daily wear and removal, or alternatively up to seven days of continuous extended wear.
Toric lenses like Frequency 55 Toric fix the unique challenge posed by astigmatism, which is that the cornea is shaped oddly. It looks more like a football than a sphere. This causes light rays to scatter rather than focus sharply on the retina, and the end result is the blurry eyesight you’re used to without correction. Frequency 55 Toric lenses fix this issue by placing themselves securely over the eyeball. There, the lenses behave as a refracting medium that serves to re-focus rays of light properly on the retina. By doing so they compensate for and reverse astigmatism, which leads to the crisp, clear eyesight you are seeking.
Wearing comfort is another factor to consider, and the moisture level of the lens is a key component of that. The more moisture a lens retains, the better it feels. Frequency 55 Toric lenses are made of a polymer called methafilcon B, a water-absorbing substance that allows for a 55% water content. That high level of moisture helps ensure a smooth, silky feel for as long as you wear the lenses.
Removal and cleaning of your Frequency 55 Toric lenses are a snap. Each lens is coated with a slightly blue tint. It’s a way of letting you easily see the lenses when you remove, insert, clean, or even drop the lenses. However you cannot in any way see the tint while actually wearing them.
As mentioned before, the lenses may be worn and removed daily or can be left in for up to seven days of continuous wear. However that is considered a best-case scenario, for people who are able to tolerate wearing contact lenses on an extended basis. That may not be you! Only your vision care provider can tell you for sure, as you may have medical issues that prevent you from wearing the lenses that way. Please check with him or her for advice on the best replacement and wearing schedule to suit you.
So there you have it. A flexible wearing schedule, great visual acuity, excellent wearing comfort, and a convenient monthly replacement plan all explain why Frequency 55 Toric contact lenses are being picked by more and more people for countering their astigmatism. If this combination of features suits your lifestyle, try them yourself and see the difference.