Before the invention of toric contact lenses, people inflicted with astigmatism could only resort to eyeglasses for vision correction. Those days could be an unpleasant memory for those who dislike eyeglasses. This limitation is simply because of an irregular shaped lens or cornea in an astigmatic patient. The aspheric lens shape of astigmatism requires special lens design and fitting. Only several advancements in contact lens technology have made toric lenses available for astigmatic patients.
A toric contact lens is specially designed to fit an irregular corneal shape. The aspheric lens in an astigmatic individual requires a toric lens with precise curvatures. Any slight variation is not permitted, otherwise clear vision is impossible. Unlike a spherical contact lens, a toric lens has two different powers. One of them corrects astigmatism and the other is for nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Although toric lenses have no significant difference in looking from spherical lenses, they actually have more complex design due to their additional power. Currently, toric lenses have incorporated most features, materials, as well as other lens technological development. However, these benefits were beyond toric lenses in early stages.
This is an inevitable development process for most late comers in the lens industry. Initial toric lenses were usually dull in materials and styles, but there were many astigmatic individuals waiting in line. This situation was quite similar when colored contact lenses were first introduced to the public. They became popular quite soon due to the particular benefits.
Thanks to progression in lens technology, toric contact lenses are available in a wide variety now. Astigmatic people can always get the same options as those individuals wearing spherical contact lenses. Except for a different shape or curvature, aspheric lenses hardly have differences from spherical lenses in lens materials, styles and so on. Soft, rigid gas permeable and silicone hydrogel types can all be found in toric lenses. Furthermore, toric contact lenses are available in disposable, frequent replacement, colored, bifocal and even multifocal types.