Toric Contact Lenses - Prescription and Colored
Millions of people around the world need to wear glasses, and thankfully there are lenses to suit every different eye problem. Toric lenses are generally used for vision correction in cases where the person has astigmatism. Astigmatism is when a person's vision is blurred due to the inability for the person's eye to focus on a particular object. The image appears blurry instead of sharp. This is usually caused by an irregular or toric curvature of the cornea or lens. This can easily be fixed through the use of toric lenses.
Toric lenses are a type of contact lens that help fix astigmatism. Due to the irregular shape of the eye of people with astigmatism, the toric lens is shaped to specifically deal with this - it will have more power in one direction and less power in the opposite direction. These are specially designed to suit the particular user.
Toric lenses are a lot harder to fit than normal contact lenses as they require a lot more time and effort from your eye care practitioner. They are usually a lot more expensive both for the initial consultation and for the lenses themselves. Often you will have to try several different toric lenses to find the perfect one for you.
Toric lenses can either be hard or soft lenses. It is essential that a toric lens doesn't rotate whilst it is in the eye as this will distort your vision. Toric lenses have specific technology within them to prevent them moving around once they have been put in.
In the past people needing toric lenses didn't have a wide variety of options in their lenses, but these days your options are virtually limitless. You can have hard, soft, colored, multifocal and even disposable toric lenses to name just a few.
Most people prefer soft toric lenses as they are easier and more comfortable to wear. However, hard toric lenses provide sharper vision and fit better onto the cornea. The difference in vision is only mild though and most people choose soft toric lenses.
You can get toric lenses with a variety of different life spans. There are daily disposables, weekly disposables, frequent replacement (approximately eveyr month), as well as longer lasting lenses that can last up to a year if cared for properly. Your eye care practitioner will advise you on the best toric lens to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Many people also choose to get colored toric lenses, and this is becoming increasingly popular. You can get toric lenses in a whole variety of colors and you can either subtly enhance your natural eye color or drastically change it. These aren't as easy to get as disposables, but this usually depends on the chosen color and your own personal prescription complexity.
Multifocal toric lenses are for those that have presbyopia. These generally can't be found in disposable versions, and most are hard lenses as opposed to soft lenses.
There are dozens of brands of toric lenses to choose from, and you will certainly be spoilt for choice. The key is to find the one that suits your best. Speaking to your eye care practitioner is the best way to establish the right choice for you.
One of the most popular toric lens brands is Softlens 66 toric contact lenses from Bausch and Lomb. These are affordable soft lenses that provide clear vision and exceptional comfort.
Freshlook Colorblend toric lenses are a popular choice for those that want to correct their vision whilst having the added benefits of changing their eye color. These cost around US$100 for six pairs of disposable toric colored lenses.
Johnson and Johnson have a great range of affordable toric lenses. Their most popular range are the Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism. These retail at around $75 for six disposable pairs. These are especially designed for people with astigmatism and have ‘Accelerated Stabilization Design' meaning they won't move when you are wearing them.
Durasoft 3 Optifit Toric UV are long-lasting toric lenses that can be reused for up to a year when well looked after. They also offer great UV protection for your eyes. The actual lens is tinted making it easy to find and handle when applying. The tint does not change the color of your eyes. These cost $240 for two pairs.
