Can You Wear Contact Lenses if You Have Astigmatism?
Yes, absolutely. If you have astigmatism and thought regular contact lenses wouldn't work for you, think again. Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism, and they've come a long way in the past decade. At Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Brooklyn, we fit patients with toric lenses every week, and most adapt beautifully once they understand how they work and what to expect during the fitting process.
Astigmatism affects the way your cornea or lens curves, which blurs your vision at all distances. Regular contact lenses (called spherical lenses) can't correct that blurred vision because they have the same power all the way around. Toric lenses have different powers in different meridians, so they correct the blur caused by astigmatism while also fixing nearsightedness or farsightedness at the same time.
How Toric Contact Lenses Work
The key to toric contacts is orientation. Unlike spherical lenses that sit any which way on your eye, toric lenses have to stay in a specific position to work properly. That's why they're weighted or made with special edge designs to keep them from rotating.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, astigmatism occurs when your cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. Toric contacts solve this by adding a cylindrical correction to the lens design. The "axis" and "cylinder" numbers on your toric prescription tell us exactly how to orient that correction for your eye.
Your eye is constantly moving and blinking, so the lens might rotate slightly during the day. Modern toric designs use thin zones, weighted centers, or ballasted edges to minimize rotation and keep your vision stable. At your fitting appointment in Sheepshead Bay, we'll measure how your eye naturally orients the lens and make sure the design we choose works with your eye's shape and movement pattern.
Getting Fitted for Toric Contact Lenses in Brooklyn
A proper toric fitting takes more time than a standard contact lens exam. Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko will measure your corneal astigmatism, determine your axis, and test several brands and powers to find what gives you the clearest, most comfortable vision. We carry daily, weekly, and monthly toric options, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle.
During your fitting, we'll look at how the lens sits on your eye using a slit lamp microscope. We want to see good movement and consistent positioning. You'll look through different powers and directions to confirm that each lens is aligned correctly for your vision. Patients with astigmatism often prefer toric lenses over spherical once they find the right fit because the vision is noticeably sharper.
We'll also discuss your wear schedule (daily disposables, weekly, or monthly) and teach you proper insertion, removal, and care. The lens orientation marking helps you put it in correctly every time. Most of our Sheepshead Bay and Avenue U patients pick up the routine within a few days.
Why Toric Contacts Are Worth Trying
If you've been wearing glasses for astigmatism and thinking about switching to contacts, toricsopen up that option. You get the convenience of contacts without sacrificing vision clarity. Many people say they see better in toric contacts than they did in glasses because the lens sits directly on your eye, moving with your gaze instead of staying in a fixed position.
For work, sports, or just feeling less self-conscious, toric contacts make a real difference in daily life. We've had patients from Gravesend to Bensonhurst tell us they wish they'd tried them sooner. The only real drawback is that toric lenses cost a bit more than spherical ones, and they require more careful handling since the orientation matters.
Some brands offer toric lenses with additional features. LensDirect's toric contact guide explains that modern materials include UV protection, moisture-locking technology, and even light-adaptive features. If you also struggle with dry eyes, we can discuss options that might be more comfortable for you.
What Astigmatism Feels Like (And Why Toric Contacts Help)
Astigmatism usually causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances, not just up close or far away like myopia or hyperopia. You might notice headaches from squinting, or trouble reading street signs and small text. Some people describe it as a slight ghosting or double image effect.
When you first get toric contacts, you should notice clearer, crisper vision pretty quickly, often within the first few days. Your brain might need a week or two to fully adjust if you're coming from glasses, especially if you have moderate-to-high astigmatism. That's completely normal. We'll schedule a follow-up visit to make sure everything's working well and address any comfort concerns.
FAQ
Are toric contact lenses safe?
Yes, toric contact lenses are as safe as any other contact lens when fitted properly and worn according to instructions. The key is getting the right fit from an experienced optometrist and following good hygiene habits. We recommend an annual eye exam at Vision Palace Optical to monitor your eye health and update your prescription if needed.
How much do toric contact lenses cost?
Coverage varies by plan. Many vision insurance plans cover a portion of toric lenses, though they often cost slightly more than spherical lenses. We accept EyeMed, MetroPlus, Medicaid, Medicare, 1199SEIU, Fidelis Care, and many other plans. Call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Can I sleep in toric contact lenses?
Most daily toric lenses are not designed for overnight wear. However, some monthly toric lenses are approved for extended wear. Always follow your optometrist's instructions. We'll tell you exactly which lenses you can sleep in during your fitting appointment at our Avenue U location.
How long does it take to adjust to toric contact lenses?
Most people adjust within a few days to a week. Some take up to two weeks, especially if you're switching from glasses. Your eye needs time to accept the lens orientation, and your brain needs to process the improved clarity. If you're struggling after a week, contact us. We may need to try a different brand or design.
What if my toric lens keeps rotating?
If your lens keeps spinning out of position, it usually means either the design isn't ideal for your eye's shape, or your tear film isn't stable enough. We can try a different brand, a different power range, or even switch to a daily toric lens (which is often easier to position consistently). The fitting process is all about finding what works for your specific eye.
Do I need a special eye exam for toric contact lenses?
You'll need a standard comprehensive eye exam plus additional measurements specific to astigmatism correction. We measure your corneal shape, determine your astigmatism axis, and test lens fit and stability. Visit our comprehensive eye exam page to learn more about what's involved.
Ready to Try Toric Contact Lenses?
If you have astigmatism and want sharper vision without glasses, it's time to schedule a toric contact lens fitting. We're located at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn, serving Sheepshead Bay, Gravesend, Brighton Beach, and beyond with personalized, expert care.
Book your fitting appointment through Zocdoc, contact us, or call (718) 998-8400. We're open Monday through Saturday. Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko are ready to help you see clearly with toric contacts.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Astigmatism Explained: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment.
- Healio. Patients with astigmatism prefer toric lenses over spherical.
- LensDirect Blog. Toric (Astigmatism) Contacts Made Simple: How They Stay Put, What to Expect, and Everyday Tips.