Do you have astigmatism that is a result of a misshaped (not perfectly spherical) cornea or optic lens? Then biomedics toric contact lenses are the answer you have been looking for.
So what is a toric contact anyhow?
They are a special type of bifocal lens that has two different powers or curvatures that correct both astigmatism AND either hyperopia (far-sightedness) or myopia (near-sightedness).
Biomedics toric contact lenses are being prescribed more and more because they solve two problems at once, the problem of a football shaped cornea AND near or far sightedness.
If you had been told in the past that you were not a suitable candidate for contact lenses you might want to visit your eye doctor again because of the huge advancements in lens technology.
Did you know it is possible to have astigmatism in just one eye? For such cases, your eye care practitioner can prescribe a toric lens for one eye and a regular spherical lens for the other eye. Toric lenses are available in rigid gas permeables (RGPs) or soft contacts like regular lenses. BUT the difference is this, while regular lenses have the same focusing power all around, rotation of the lens in the eye is not an issue.
However torics are NOT spherically symmetric and have a definite up and down they must maintain to be effective. A toric lens MUST keep the position irrespective of eye movement, else vision will be effected. Toric lenses are kept in proper position by utilizing a ballasted lens which is slightly thicker and heavier at the bottom. When you blink the ballasted part is pushed into the correct position by the upper eye lids.
Biomedics toric contact lenses for astigmatism cost more than ordinary contacts due to the time and expertise involved in the manufacture. Additional expenses are incurred in the actual manufacturing because each lens has to be custom made for the patient’s vision correction needs. Toric lenses are available in the same formats and materials as regular spherical lenses.
In the past only (RGPs), a special type of lens that lets more oxygen filter to the eye, were prescribed to correct astigmatism. Today, torics are available in color (to enhance or completely change eye color), disposable, daily wear and rigid lenses. Overall people tend to choose soft contacts over RGPs because of the comfort and ease of handling.
RGPs do have their advantages though. They retain their shape on the cornea much better than soft lenses and usually gives astigmatics crisper and clearer vision.