Toric contact lenses are a type of corrective lens to treat the eye condition known as astigmatism.
Astigmatism is a defect that prohibits the eye from focusing sharply.

Astigmatism belongs to a group of eye conditions called refractive errors. Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (aging of the lens in the eye) are types of refractive errors.
Light has to be bent (refracted) by the lens and the cornea correctly before it reaches the retina in order to see things clearly.

A person’s eye is naturally round in shape. Normally, when light enters the eye, it refracts (or bends) evenly, creating a clear view of the object. However, the eye of a person with astigmatism is shaped more oblong. Instead of being even, the surface may have some areas that are uneven. When light enters the eye it is refracted more in one direction than the other, allowing only part of the object to be in focus at one time. As a result, vision is blurry, distorted or wavy.

Until recently, people with astigmatism could not wear contact lenses. With advances in technology, astigmatism patients can enjoy contact lenses in many styles including soft, daily, weekly, monthly, or colored contact lens.
Toric contact lenses are made of the same soft or rigid materials as regular contact lenses. The lens in toric contact lenses differ, however, by offering two curvatures at different angels to compensate for astigmatism and for either nearsightedness or farsightedness. Toric contact lenses are also made to keep the contact lens stable on the eye to prevent movement when blinking or moving the eye.

Your eye doctor will determine the best toric contact lense for your astigmatism by performing various comprehensive tests. With the advancement of modern science, people with astigmatism can maintain accurate clear vision with the use of toric contact lenses.