Is your vision blurry or distorted at all distances? It could be a sign of astigmatism, especially if you also find yourself dealing with headaches, eye strain, and trouble driving at night.
The good news is that toric contact lenses were built precisely for this situation. They offer many people with astigmatism a way to achieve stable and clear vision even with their condition.
You may be slightly confused at this point, because there’s a common myth that astigmatism rules out contact lens use. In truth, astigmatism contacts now come in daily, fortnightly, and monthly options to fit different routines.
This guide walks you through what causes astigmatism, how toric lenses correct it, and how to choose a comfortable option for use in Singapore.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregular curve in your cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside it. This leads to blurry or stretched images in your vision.
Astigmatism often occurs alongside short-sightedness or long-sightedness. It’s also often present from birth rather than developed later in life. It isn’t caused by reading in dim light or sitting too close to screens, despite what many people assume.
The Shape of the Eye
Picture a normal eye as a round sphere like a basketball. An eye with astigmatism is shaped more like a rugby ball or even the back of a spoon. It’s curved more steeply in one direction than another.
This irregular curve focuses at more than one point instead of landing squarely on the retina. That’s the cause of the blurred or even doubled vision that astigmatism is known for.
Toric Lenses as a Solution for Astigmatism
Standard “spherical” contact lenses carry one uniform power across the whole lens. That works for short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia). However, it can’t compensate for an eye that curves unevenly.
This is why there are toric contact lenses for astigmatism. They’re built with different corrective powers across different meridians of the lens.
The cylinder correction and axis is precisely aligned to your eye’s unique shape. This design lets a single lens correct your general short- or long-sightedness and astigmatism at the same time.
Why Toric Lens Stability Matters
Toric lenses’ power zones are mapped to exact positions. This means they can’t be allowed to spin or drift, or the zones are out of position and your vision blurs immediately.
That’s why manufacturers build stabilisation into toric contact lenses. The stabilisation is designed to keep them sitting correctly even after a blink.
Common designs include “prism ballast” (a slightly thicker, heavier base than most lenses) and thin-zone designs that rely on eyelid pressure. There are also blink-activated stabilisation systems.
The result is a lens that stays where it should, keeping your prescription exactly where your eye needs it.
How to Read a Toric Lens Prescription
A prescription for astigmatism includes a few extra values you won’t see on an ordinary contact lens box.
SPH (Sphere)
This indicates your overall short-sightedness (-) or long-sightedness (+). Higher numbers mean you need more correction.
CYL (Cylinder)
This represents the amount of astigmatism you have. The higher the number, the more irregular the eye shape and the greater the astigmatism.
AXIS
A number between 0 and 180 degrees that indicates where the cylinder correction should be positioned on your eye.
Popular Contact Lens Options for Astigmatism at W Optics
Below are seven toric options available at W Optics, spanning daily, fortnightly and monthly wear across a range of budgets.
MyDay Toric is a daily disposable built on CooperVision’s Smart Silicone™ material, balancing high oxygen flow with easy handling. It is an option for those who want lenses that feel barely there while still holding shape. Best for: daily wearers who want comfort and convenience without a monthly cleaning routine.
This premium daily disposable suits anyone who wants fresh, hydrated lenses all day. Its HydraLuxe™ Technology is designed to mimic the eye’s own tears. It can help ease the dryness that often builds up from long screen hours or air-conditioning.
It also uses ACUVUE’s BLINK STABILIZED® design. This works with your natural blink to keep the lens correctly oriented all day. Explore the ACUVUE range at W Optics to find your fit.
Total30 for Astigmatism is a monthly replacement lens designed to stay comfortable across a full month of wear. It suits wearers who prefer fewer lens changes and a consistent routine rather than opening a fresh pair each day. Best for: committed lens wearers who want a low-maintenance monthly schedule.
ULTRA® for Astigmatism uses an OpticAlign™ Design for stable vision, even when driving at night, with reduced halos and glare. Its MoistureSeal® Technology is designed to help the lens hold onto most of its moisture for up to 16 hours. Best for: night driving and long wearing hours where stability and moisture retention matter.
Eyecoffret 1-Day UV M Toric is one of the few coloured contact lenses made specifically for astigmatism wearers. Most cosmetic lenses are only available in spherical powers, which leaves people with astigmatism without a coloured option. This lens combines toric correction with a subtle cosmetic tint and built-in UV protection. Best for: astigmatism wearers who want a coloured or cosmetic lens without giving up clear vision.
Clariti 1-Day Toric is a silicone hydrogel daily disposable at the most accessible price point in this list. It offers a straightforward entry into daily toric lenses for those trying contact lenses for astigmatism for the first time, or managing cost across a full year of wear. Best for: first-time toric wearers and anyone prioritising value.
If daily disposables are not your preference and a monthly feels too long, this fortnightly lens uses HYDRACLEAR® Plus Technology to stay smooth and wettable through long hours. It also offers high UV protection and lets roughly 98% of available oxygen reach your eye for healthier all-day wear. Best for: wearers who want a middle ground between daily and monthly replacement.
Finding the Right Toric Lens
Choosing the right astigmatism contacts depends on more than your prescription. These factors also have to be considered:
- Amount of astigmatism
- Lifestyle
- Wearing schedule
- Dry eye symptoms
- Eye health
Why Fitting Matters
Fitting toric lenses is typically more involved than fitting standard soft lenses. The optometrist needs to check the following:
- How the lens moves
- Whether it rotates
- How it settles after a blink
- How it feels and performs overall
Getting Used to Toric Lenses
Most people adjust to toric lenses quickly. However, some take a few days longer than others.
You may see some brief blurring right after blinking, which is due to the lens resettling into its proper position. A bigger problem is persistent blur or discomfort. If you experience those, have your optometrist review the fit.
When to See an Optometrist
Book an eye check if you experience any of these:
- Ongoing blurry vision
- Halos around lights at night
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain
Find Your Perfect Toric Contact Lenses at W Optics
Astigmatism doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying the freedom offered by contact lenses. Modern toric lenses now come in a wide range of materials, replacement schedules, and stabilisation designs to suit almost any eye.
The right lens for you depends on a proper professional assessment, not a brand name by itself. Visit a W Optics store near you for a personalised lens fitting and eye check with our experienced optometrists. You may soon start seeing the world clearly again.
