Astigmatism is a common visual distortion caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. The surface of the cornea is toric, oblong in shape like a football, instead of perfectly round like a basketball. Light rays passing through an oblong cornea bend unequally, causing two focusing points. Consequently, vision is blurred at most distances.

Astigmatism is usually hereditary, although factors such as low light levels and too much work done close up can contribute. Over time this condition may increase slowly, but, generally, over a lifetime, it remains relatively stable. Forty-five percent of people who require vision correction have some degree of astigmatism. Symptoms include squinting, occasional headaches, and eye strain. In most cases, astigmatism is accompanied by myopia or hyperopia.

Here’s how toric contact lenses correct astigmatism.

The irregular shape of an astigmatic eye cornea and/or lens produces two focusing points in front of or behind the retina in blurred vision.

Toric contact lenses correct the refractive errors, creating a single focal point in the retina where vision is sharpest.

For the past two decades, millions who have astigmatism believed they could never wear soft contact lenses. And, many who were fitted for toric contact lenses for astigmatism often found the performance unsatisfactory. If you're one of them, we urge you to try CooperVision soft toric contact lenses.

While the first toric contact lenses for astigmatism were not always successful, advances in technology have improved the toric lens. With the help of computer-aided manufacturing techniques, CooperVision can create toric contact lenses with more than one curvature and with differences in thickness on opposing sides of the same lens. In fact, polymers developed by CooperVision enable production of exceptionally thin, yet highly durable toric contact lenses. Lathe cutting, cast molding, or a combination of both help to provide consistent and stable vision throughout the day. CooperVision manufacturers more than 13 million custom, conventional, planned-replacement, and single-use toric lens prescriptions. The large quantity of choices ensures a precise fit. Proclear® Toric, ClearSight™ 1-Day Toric, Proclear Toric XR, Biomedics® Toric, and Frequency® 55  are among the brands CooperVision manufactures to correct astigmatism.

With the abundant availability of new toric lens design and materials, some eye care practitioners have chosen to specialize in fitting toric lenses. To find a practitioner near you who specializes in fitting CooperVision toric contact lenses, click here.