If you’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism, you might be worried that you’re now stuck wearing eyeglasses forever. You may be asking, “Can contact lenses correct astigmatism?”
And the answer is yes, they can! Contacts are legit eyewear options that you can talk to your eye doctor about. Let’s dive in and go through some of your contact lens options!
A Little Background
Let’s start by going through the basics. Astigmatism is an eye condition where your corneas are irregularly shaped. Instead of the more typical basketball-shaped corneas, you have football-shaped ones.
Did you know that an estimated 90% of the global population suffers from some degree of astigmatism? Of course, not all of them need correcting. Only around 50% have more than 0.50 D (diopters) of astigmatism, which is the base measure for mild astigmatism.
With these numbers, it makes sense that contact lens manufacturers would develop lenses that address the specific needs of astigmatics.
This began with hard or RGP contact lenses in the 1940s. Then, since the 1970s, soft contact lenses have been dominating. Both of these types of contacts are still top choices for correcting astigmatism.
Your Contact Choices
To preface all this: Book an eye exam with your doctor and discuss your eyewear options with them. Ultimately, the type of eyewear you use to correct your astigmatism is based on your doctor’s recommendations.
Still, it pays to arm yourself with some astigmatism contact lens knowledge. Let’s get into it!
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric lenses are soft contact lenses specifically designed for astigmatics. These lenses come with lens curvatures that correspond to irregularly shaped corneas. This is how you get refractive correction where it’s needed.
Pros
Improved Vision
Of course, this is one of the biggest positives of toric lenses. With the correct prescription, you can enjoy clearer and sharper eyesight.
Customization
Every cornea is different, especially for astigmatics. The best lens brands should have a wide range of prescriptions to address these differences.
Comfort
Soft contact lenses, such as toric lenses, typically offer good breathability and moisture. Of course, this still depends on you and your unique sensitivities.
Cons
Higher Cost
Toric lenses are a bit more expensive than standard lenses. If budget is a consideration for you, this could make these contacts less appealing.
Fit
The best corrective contacts need to fit your eyes perfectly. This means that your prescription has to be precise, and it can sometimes be tricky to find the best-fitting contacts. Lens brands typically offer three pupil size profiles (low, mid, and high).
Sensitivity to Movement
One of the more persistent issues with toric lenses is that they may shift out of place because of your movement or gravity.
Increased Maintenance
Monthly disposable toric lenses need your diligent care so they stay clean and hygienic while you use them. If you’re busy and don’t like the hassle, you can choose from several daily wear contact lenses for astigmatism.
Potential for Discomfort
Discomfort and dryness are always issues with contact lens use. Sensitivities vary by person. Just remember this when trying out contacts for your astigmatism. They might take some time to get used to. Talk to your doctor if the discomfort or dryness does not go away.
Top Brands
Biofinity Toric and Biofinity XR Toric Contact Lenses
Biofinity is a CooperVision brand and is considered a leading name in contact lenses for astigmatism. Their toric and XR toric lenses are quite popular among eye doctors and their patients. Of these two, the XR variant is specific to the requirements of those with higher prescription levels.
Many EZContacts verified buyers are fans of the corrective capabilities of these lenses. However, note that users’ experiences differ when it comes to comfort.
Madison B. says:
“These are great lenses. Towards the end of the month they are not as comfortable as the beginning when I first put them on. They are great for astigmatism.”
Compare that with Joey S., who says:
“They are very comfortable. I like them so far. My vision isn’t quite as sharp as I would like but I think that has more to do with the prescription needing a little tweaking more than the contacts.”
ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day for ASTIGMATISM
ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day for ASTIGMATISM is a newly-launched daily wear toric contact lens brand from Johnson & Johnson. It only came out in July 2025. The contacts come with impressive innovations, such as TearStable Technology, OptiBlue Light Filter, and BLINK STABILIZED design. These all work to provide you with superior comfort and fit.
The standout feature of this new astigmatism line from OASYS is 183 optical power profiles. Others just offer three; you get 6000% more with MAX 1-Day.
Air Optix Hydraglyde for Astigmatism
Alcon AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde for Astigmatism lenses are old reliables when it comes to contact lenses for astigmatism. These are some of the best-known and accessible brands among astigmatics. They’re lauded as superior in comfort, fit, and visual clarity.
EZContacts verified buyer Marcella M. agrees:
“Very Happy. I’m very happy with Air Optix for astigmatism. I’ve been wearing them for years and recently my doctor had switched me to a different brand. I tried the other brand but then went back to what works best for me. Air Optix is comfortable and breathable.”
The majority of the reviews align with Marcella’s experience. However, there are some dissenters. According to Shelbey E.:
“I have dry eyes especially with contacts. I thought this brand was supposed to help. Got dry eyes immediately after putting them in.”
Multifocal Toric Contact Lenses
If you’ve got both astigmatism and presbyopia (or “old eyes”), then these are the lenses for you. Multifocal toric lenses are lenses that aren’t just shaped to fit irregular corneas. They are also designed with multiple focal points.
Pros
Comprehensive Vision Correction
Multifocal lenses address all your refractive correction needs, from near to intermediate to far.
Convenience
You can do your up-close reading conveniently. You won’t have to go searching for glasses anytime you want to read!
Cons
Adjustment Period
Having multiple optical zones in one lens may require an adjustment period for some people.
Possible Nighttime Vision Issues
Likewise, some individuals see glares and halos when they use multifocal astigmatism contacts at night.
Fit
Aside from your pupil size and the abnormal curvature of your corneas, your contacts also need to work for your presbyopic lens power requirements. This means that you need to find a lens brand that offers comprehensive coverage. And like toric lenses, the fit of multifocal toric contacts has to be perfect.
Cost
Toric lenses are already more expensive than standard lenses. Multifocal toric contacts increase the cost a bit more.
Top Brands
Biofinity Toric Multifocal
Just like Biofinity Toric and XR lenses, Biofinity Toric Multifocal contacts feature CooperVision’s Aquaform Technology and Optimized Toric Lens Geometry. This means that, apart from visual clarity at multiple optical points, you also enjoy superior breathability, comfort, and fit. The brand boasts of 200,000 multifocal prescription options, so you’ll definitely find the lenses that best suit you.
Reviews have been mixed for this brand, though. According to Dave D.:
“I like but they dry out my eyes towards the end of the day.”
On the other hand, these contacts are 5 out of 5 for Susan A. and Kurt R.
Susan says:
“I love these contacts. I don’t have to take them out nightly. I can wear 1 pair for up to a month. Being multi focal is great. I don’t need to wear reading glasses at all anymore.”
Kurt claims:
“These are the best lenses I have ever used. The multi-focal feature is great since I don’t need to wear readers while using my computer. These lenses are so comfortable I forget I have them in sometimes!”
ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM
ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM are ACUVUE OASYS’ newest multifocal for astigmatism lenses, and they provide correction for those with low- to mid-level astigmatism. These have the same MAX 1-Day features: TearStable Technology, OptiBlue Light Filter, and BLINK STABILIZED design. You also get 183 power optical profiles for the best-fitting lenses.
Bausch & Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism
Bausch & Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism lenses are “amazing lenses,” according to verified buyer David S. The contacts are designed using superior technological innovations by Bausch & Lomb. This includes their 3-Zone Progressive design for presbyopia and OpticAlign for astigmatism.
David continues:
“Traditional contacts corrected distance but up close was awful. Needed readers. Which I hated. With a passion. Tried these. And they are amazing. Perfect up close vision. Perfect distance. Love them. Try them if you wear readers. You will be amazed.”
Tim R. agrees:
“These are great contacts especially in comparison to the former brand I used, which were CooperVision Proclear multi focal Toric. They were very thin, tore frequently and dried out. The Bausch & Lomb are durable and seem to breathe better with less dryness even though thicker.”
RGP Lenses (Hard Lenses)
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are the current standard when it comes to hard lenses. They are custom-made, so you know they’ll fit comfortably on your eyes. These contacts are gas-permeable and superior when it comes to breathability, arguably more than soft contact lenses. When it comes to correcting astigmatism, the contacts offer unique advantages.
Pros
Superior Vision Correction
RGP lenses are made to precisely fit your corneas. They maintain their rigid shape so you get focal correction where it’s needed. The lenses have a tear layer between the lens and the cornea. This acts as a refractive surface for superior refractive correction, and it also facilitates improved oxygen permeability.
Durability and Longevity
RGP lenses are designed for long-term use, and they’re more durable than soft lenses. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can use a pair for a year or even longer.
Better Oxygen Permeability
Modern RGP lenses are designed with high oxygen permeability. This makes these lenses a good choice for those with dry eye syndrome.
Resistant to Deposits
Because their surface is non-porous, these lenses are more resistant to protein and lipid deposits compared to soft lenses. This makes them more hygienic. It can also reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Easier Handling
The rigidity of RGP lenses makes them easier to handle, insert, and remove compared to soft lenses.
Cons
Adjustment Period
The rigid nature of these lenses may need some getting used to, especially if you’re used to soft contact lenses. There might be some discomfort initially.
Slower Fit Process
RGP lenses are precisely measured and created for your eyes. This means that fitting and lens delivery will take some time.
Why Choose Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Contact lenses for astigmatism have a few advantages over eyeglasses. This includes:
- Wider field of vision: You enjoy a wider field of vision because contacts sit directly on your eyes. They go where your eyeballs go. You’re not limited by the frame.
- Personal aesthetics: If you don’t like the way you look with glasses, then definitely choose contact lenses. This way, you can keep the focus on your eyes, and not on your glasses!
- Improved comfort: For some, it’s more comfortable to move around without clunky eyeglasses. This is especially true if you have an active lifestyle.
So yes, your astigmatism can be corrected with contact lenses. This eyewear may even be your perfect option!
TL;DR
- An estimated 50% of the global population suffers from at least mild astigmatism. Numerous contact lens manufacturers make contact lenses that can correct astigmatism.
- Your contact lens options include toric contacts, multifocal toric, and rigid gas permeable lenses.
- Toric and multifocal toric lenses are soft contact lenses that you can easily buy online. You get comprehensive and effective vision correction that’s convenient. However, you need to find lenses that fit your cornea curvature, pupil size, and prescription perfectly.
- Soft contact lenses for astigmatism also cost a bit more and may be more sensitive to movement. With multifocal toric contacts, you may also experience night vision distortions and an adjustment period.
- RGP contacts for astigmatism are hard lenses that provide superior vision correction and oxygen permeability. They are also more durable, and you can use a pair for up to one to two years.
- RGP lenses are custom-made, so lens fitting and delivery take more time. You may also experience an adjustment period.
- The advantages of using contacts for astigmatism instead of glasses include a wider field of vision, comfort, and personal aesthetic choices.
