If you are dealing with an astigmatism then your optometrist will likely suggest some type of special contact lenses: toric contact lenses or GP (Gas Permeable) lenses. Most people will try out toric lenses first because they seem to be the most popular, however not everyone enjoys them. While both options are considered to be effective, that doesn’t mean that one will not be better for your specific needs. To give you a better idea about which ones will be right for you, here is a closer look at what people dislike about each option.
There are a number of reasons that people do not enjoy toric contact lenses. The primary reason that they look for a different type of contact lenses is discomfort. This could be because they simply are not used wearing contacts or that wearing them on a consistent basis makes the lower part of their eyelid sore. The final issue is that some people may notice that the lens shifts while they are wearing them, which means that the powers shift, thus throwing off their vision. This is normally not do the type of contact, but rather a poorly fitted contact. Either way, this may cause them to move on.
Unfortunately, GP contact lenses also have their drawbacks as well. Just like toric lenses, patients will often report blurriness or fuzziness after wearing them for several hours. Additionally, because GP lenses use your bodies moisture to “fill in the gaps”, they can also leave the rest of your eye feeling dry. If you suffer from even minor photophobia (sensitivity to light), then GP lenses can actually perpetuate this problem.
In general, a majority of people who have an astigmatism and still want to wear contact lenses will choose the toric lenses. Overall comfort tends to be the highest reported reason for this. GP lenses are made from a fairly stiff material which will retain its shape when it is on your eye. On the other hand, torics are made from a flexible material, just like regular contacts, which means that they are comparatively much more comfortable. Additionally, the material used to make toric lenses offer a higher oxygen permeability. This means that your eyes will get more oxygen and moisture throughout the day, which is necessary for extended wear. Toric lenses also offer a much wider range of flexibility in terms of customization. You can choose from a variety of different “disposabilities”. This means that you can choose from daily, weekly, and monthly wear. You can also choose from colored lenses as well.
It is impossible to say that toric contact lenses are ultimately better than GP lenses. However, if you look at current trends, they are definitely much more popular. Some of the common complaints about toric lenses are similar to the complaints about GP, so it may come down to choosing between the lesser of two evils. However, there are a number of drawbacks to GP contact lenses are not associated with toric lenses. While neither option is “best” for everyone, there is a higher probability the toric lenses are going to meet your needs.