Guide to Contacts for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is pretty common (around one third of Americans have one!) but is often misunderstood. Even the name itself is confusing. Is it A Stigmatism or An Astigmatism? Can I get contacts for astigmatism? Are contacts for astigmatism expensive?
We’re here to answer all your questions about astigmatism and help you find the best (and cheapest) contact lenses for astigmatism.
What is Astigmatism?
The clear part of your eye is called the cornea. A perfect cornea has the same curve all around it so it can focus images directly on the back of your eye. If you have astigmatism, the curve of your cornea is actually uneven, making your cornea an oval shape instead of a sphere. This causes images to be focused on two different places at once, which is what causes your blurry vision.
Can contact lenses fix astigmatism?
Contact lenses for astigmatism are called toric lenses. These special contact lenses are actually designed with two different curves, just like your cornea. Your doctor will find the curves of your cornea and match up the toric contact lens to those curves, basically ‘canceling out’ the astigmatism.
Because the toric contact lens needs to match your astigmatism perfectly, it is very important that your lenses fit properly. A lens that moves when you blink won’t provide stable, clear vision.
Your doctor will need to take a look at your eyes to determine exactly what type of lens will work to correct your astigmatism. For most people, a soft contact lens can get the job done. For those with particularly severe astigmatism or other unique eye health issues, your doctor may need to prescribe you a custom made gas permeable lens.
What is the Best Contact for Astigmatism?
The best choice for you depends on your lifestyle, your budget, and what your doctor recommends. For example, soft contact lenses come in daily, weekly, and monthly versions. Doctors usually prefer prescribing dailies, but you may have unique needs that require a different lens.
Here are some of the top selling astigmatism contact lenses you can discuss with your eye doctor.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day for Astigmatism
Biofinity Toric
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism
Ultra for Astigmatism
Dailies Aquacomfort Plus Toric
Precision1 for Astigmatism
Are Contacts for Astigmatism More Expensive?
Unfortunately due to the extra features to correct astigmatism, toric contact lenses are more expensive than regular spherical contact lenses. Depending on the exact brand, astigmatism contacts are usually 20% to 50% more expensive.
Daily disposable lenses are also more expensive than weekly and monthly lenses, since you need to buy more of them. On average, daily lenses are about 2.5 times more expensive. However, most doctors prefer to prescribe dailies instead of weeklies or monthlies.
Since daily lenses are worn just one day and then thrown out, they are the healthiest option on the market. Rates of eye infections are significantly lower with daily lenses than other types of lenses. Plus, they are the most convenient since you don’t need to worry about cases and solutions and can just toss them at the end of the day.
Best Daily Contact Lenses For Astigmatism
If dailies make sense for your lifestyle and budget, here are some great options you can discuss with your eye doctor. The prescription they write you will only be valid for one brand, so make sure you are happy with the final brand you choose!
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day for Astigmatism
Precision1 Dailies for Astigmatism
Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric
Clariti 1-Day Toric
MyDay Toric
Soflens Daily Disposable for Astigmatism
Cheapest Contact Lenses For Astigmatism
If daily lenses aren’t in your budget or don’t fit with your lifestyle, there are several great weekly and monthly toric contact lenses for astigmatism that you can choose from. Here are some popular lenses that you can discuss with your eye doctor
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
Biofinity Toric
Acuvue Vita for Astigmatism
Ultra for Astigmatism
Air Optix HydraGlyde for Astigmatism
Are there Multifocal Contacts for Astigmatism?
As you age, your eyes start having trouble focusing on objects close up. This condition is called presbyopia, and you need to wear either reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses to correct your vision fully.
Until recently, people with astigmatism and presbyopia had to wear reading glasses with their toric contact lenses, since there were no contact lenses that could correct both conditions at the same time.
Over the last few years, several companies have introduced new multifocal for astigmatism contact lenses. These lenses are usually custom made for your exact prescription, so they are more expensive that regular toric or multifocal lenses. That said, these special lenses can correct your vision better than any other lens on the market, so they might be a good fit for you.
The Best Multifocal Toric Contact Lenses
Right now, there are only three options for multifocal for astigmatism contact lenses. Be sure to discuss each of these with your eye doctor to find the best fit for you. If you want to learn more, check out our guide to toric multifocal contacts for astigmatism.
Ultra Multifocal For Astigmatism
Biofinity Toric Multifocal
Proclear Toric Multifocal
Are there Color Contacts for Astigmatism?
There are several popular non-astigmatism color contact lens brands like Air Optix and Daileis Colors, but unfortunately there are not many options when it comes to colored toric contact lenses.
If your astigmatism isn’t very severe, your doctor could prescribe you a non-astigmatism colored lens. Your vision might not be as clear, but it may be worth it for you if you really want color contact lenses.
If your astigmatism is too strong, you will need to look at specialty colored toric lenses like ToriColors. Not every doctor prescribes these lenses, so be sure to check with the doctor’s office before you go in for your appointment.
How to Save Money on Astigmatism Contacts
Toric contacts for astigmatism can be expensive, so every dollar saved can make a difference. When it comes to saving money for astigmatism contacts, here are some things you can try:
- Check our price comparison tool to find the best price for your brand
- If you buy online, make sure to get a coupon code to maximize your savings
- If you buy from an eye doctor, don’t forget to file for a manufacturer rebate
- Discuss switching to a cheaper lens with your eye doctor if you are on a budget
No matter where you end up purchasing your contacts, our goal is to help you find the cheapest price possible!
