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If your ophthalmologist has diagnosed you with astigmatism, it means that ordinary spherical contact lenses are not able to fully correct your vision defect. Instead, you need toric lenses that are built to correct vision problems caused by astigmatism. Find out how toric lenses work and how to use them.
What is astigmatism and why do you need to wear toric lenses?
Astigmatism is a visual defect in which the eye is structured asymmetrically. As a result, the light entering it, instead of focusing on one point, refracts vertically differently than horizontally. This causes the image you see to be constantly blurred to one side, regardless of the viewing distance. The curvature of straight lines is also a frequently observed distortion. Most often, astigmatism is caused by an abnormal curvature of the cornea. The only way to correct this defect is to use toric lenses, which differ from spherical lenses with uneven thickness, thanks to which there is an effect of compensating for errors in the eye curvature.
How do toric lenses work?
As mentioned, spherical lenses have the same thickness all over their surface, while toric lenses vary in thickness at different places. This means that they must always be worn in the correct position to properly correct the curvature of the eye. This ensures proper profiling with the use of stabilization zones or places where the lens is a bit heavier to prevent displacement with the movement of the eyeballs.
The selection of toric lenses is a bit more difficult than spherical lenses and therefore requires detailed consultation with an ophthalmologist. He must determine the degree and type of eye symmetry disturbance, and also determine whether there is simultaneous farsightedness or myopia. Another parameter to consider is the lens material.
RGP, or rigid gas-permeable material, is a special material that allows the eye to “breathe” and easily maintains the shape of the lens. As a result, the lens maintains the correct position more easily, but is also a bit more delicate, and when wearing fully comfortable, it sometimes requires an adaptation period.
Softer materials are more comfortable to wear on a daily basis, but provided that they fit properly when worn.
Daily use of toric lenses
Daily use of toric lenses is no different from other types of contact lenses. Hygiene rules and other standard recommendations remain the same: remember to wash your hands thoroughly before putting on your lenses, never wear them for longer than they are intended for, and remember to remove them at bedtime. As with spherical lenses, there are annual, monthly, biweekly and daily toric lenses on the market. The only difference is that you must pay attention to the correct orientation of the lenses when inserting them. It is not difficult, however, because all toric lenses have the appropriate markings, and moreover, improper installation immediately causes a characteristic feeling of discomfort and distortion of vision. The wrong orientation can therefore be corrected immediately.
Toric lens prices
Due to the more complex structure and the fact that they are a bit less popular variant, toric lenses are unfortunately a bit more expensive than spherical lenses. A pack of daily toric lenses, containing 30 pieces, costs between 60 and 90 zlotys. Toric lenses for pieces can be two-week, the cost then oscillates around a dozen or so zlotys, or annual. One yearly toric lens can cost even several hundred zlotys. Monthly lenses are also available, the packaging of which can cost from 50 to several hundred zlotys. It all depends on the manufacturer, the materials used, the number of lenses in the package or various additives, such as a bottle of lens solution.
If we like to experiment with our appearance, colored toric lenses will be an interesting solution. They can completely change the color of the wearer’s iris and correct the vision defect at the same time. They cost from 100 to 200 PLN per package, depending on the variant and manufacturer. Not all stores and opticians’ salons have such lenses “in stock”, but it is probably possible to obtain the appropriate lenses at the customer’s request.