Key Takeaways
- Astigmatism causes blurry or distorted vision at all distances due to an irregular-shaped cornea or lens.
- Toric and rigid gas-permeable lenses are designed to correct astigmatism.
- Dry eye or a complex prescription can affect which lens type works for you.
- A contact lens fitting helps match the right lens to your eye shape, prescription, and lifestyle.
Contacts & Astigmatism: What You Need to Know
Yes, you can wear contact lenses with astigmatism. Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, while rigid gas-permeable lenses can also help provide clear vision for some people with astigmatism or irregular corneas. The right fit depends on your prescription, your eye shape, and how you live your day-to-day life.
At Discover Eyecare, we work with people across Abbotsford and Chilliwack who wear contacts for their astigmatism. A contact lens exam and fitting can help you determine what your options are.
What Astigmatism Does to Your Vision
In an eye without significant astigmatism, the cornea or lens has a more evenly curved shape. In people with astigmatism, the cornea is slightly irregular, somewhat more like the curve of a football. This irregular shape scatters incoming light.
The result is blurry or distorted vision at all distances, not just up close or far away.
Signs You Might Have Astigmatism
You may have astigmatism if you notice the following:
- Frequent headaches or eye strain, especially after reading or screen time
- Squinting to bring things into focus
- Blurry or ghosted vision at distance or near, particularly around words or lights
- Objects appearing blurry or distorted at all distances
While these signs don’t confirm astigmatism on their own, they’re worth bringing up to your eye doctor. A comprehensive eye exam is the right way to figure out for certain what’s going on with your eyes.
Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Soft Toric Lenses
Soft toric lenses are the most common choice for astigmatism. Unlike standard soft lenses, toric lenses are designed to rest on your eyes with a specific orientation. This alignment helps keep your vision sharp.
Toric lenses come in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly wear schedules, so you can choose what fits your routine.
Rigid Gas-Permeable & Specialty Lenses
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses hold their shape while they’re on your eye, which helps compensate for corneal irregularity. While RGP lenses have a short adjustment period, many people appreciate the long-term clarity they offer.
Scleral lenses are designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye. This can be helpful in cases where the cornea is irregular.
Your optometrist can recommend lens options based on your prescription, corneal shape, tear film, and lifestyle.
Contacts vs. Glasses for Astigmatism
Both contacts and glasses can correct astigmatism, but the experience of wearing them is quite different. Contacts sit directly on the eye, giving you a full, unobstructed field of view with no frames in your peripheral vision. This can be convenient for sports, outdoor activities, or any situation where you’re moving around a lot.
Glasses, on the other hand, require less daily maintenance and are easy to take on and off. Many people with astigmatism keep both options available, wearing contacts during the day and switching to glasses in the evening. There’s no rule that says it has to be one or the other.
What to Know Before a Contact Lens Fitting
Factors That Affect Which Lens Works for You
Your prescription is just one piece of the puzzle. The severity of your astigmatism, how much time you spend in front of screens, your activity level, and whether you prefer daily or monthly lenses all play a role in finding the right match. A contact lens fitting takes all of these factors into account, rather than just matching numbers on a chart.
What Might Limit Contact Lens Wear
Some situations make wearing contacts trickier. These include:
- Dry eye or other conditions that affect the surface of the eye
- A very high or complex prescription that standard toric lenses can’t account for
- Inconsistent hygiene habits around lens care and storage
If dryness is making contacts uncomfortable, a dry eye assessment may help identify whether your tear film, lens material, or lens fit is contributing to the problem.
How a Contact Lens Exam Helps You Find the Right Fit
A contact lens fitting includes measurements of the shape and size of your eyes, a review of your prescription, and a consideration of your lifestyle and other vision needs. For a closer look at the full process, we’ve written a guide on what to expect.
At Discover Eyecare, corneal topography can help map the surface of your cornea, giving your optometrist detailed information to support a more accurate contact lens fit.
Find Contact Lenses That Fit Your Eyes
Astigmatism does not have to rule out contact lenses. The right option depends on your prescription, corneal shape, tear film, comfort needs, and daily routine. A contact lens exam and fitting can help you compare options and find lenses that support clear, comfortable vision.
At Discover Eyecare, we take the time to understand your eyes and your lifestyle. Book a contact lens exam and fitting at our Abbotsford or Chilliwack location to find out which lens options may work for your astigmatism.
