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What are Toric Contact Lenses?

What are toric contact lenses and how do they work?


Contact lenses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and toric contact lenses are no different.
These contact lenses have two curves instead of one to accommodate the rugby-ball-like curvature of the eye commonly associated with astigmatism.

Looking to learn more about toric contact lenses? Let’s dive into how they are designed to correct astigmatism, and how they can help support clearer vision.

What are toric contact lenses?

The name ‘toric’ comes from the word torus, which is the shape of a doughnut slice.

Toric contact lenses have two different curves perpendicular to each other—one with a shallower arc, and one with a steeper arc. It’s this shape that helps provide clear vision for people with astigmatism

How do toric contact lenses work?

Toric contact lenses use different focal lengths and optical powers that help correct vision. 

 

Unlike regular contact lenses that have one refractive power, toric contact lenses usually have two refractive powers. These powers focus light onto a single point on the retina. 

 

This helps counteract refractive errors such as astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia.

 

Toric contact lenses come in different designs that help to keep the lens from rotating on the eye, which would otherwise cause the vision to fluctuate.

Toric contact lenses for astigmatism

Toric contact lenses are optimised for clearer vision

An illustrated side-view of an eye labeled with a few important parts shows how light focuses in a astigmatic eye

Toric contact lenses are designed with two powers to correct different types of astigmatism. To understand how they do so, let’s first explore what astigmatism is.

 

Astigmatism typically is where the cornea (front part of the eye) is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. Light focuses on two points instead of one, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Astigmatism is pretty common, with about 50% of people experiencing it.1

How do toric contact lenses correct astigmatism?

The steepness of the two curves of your eye will determine how severe your astigmatism is. 

 

Regular contact lenses have one curve and can sit anywhere on the eye. Toric contact lenses work differently. They have two powers, so they must stay in the right position to correct your vision.

 

On your contact lens prescription, these values are shown as SPH (sphere) and CYL (cylinder). Sphere corrects short- or long-sightedness, while cylinder corrects astigmatism. 

You’ll also see AXIS, which shows the angle of your astigmatism, helping the lens stay correctly aligned.

How do toric contact lenses stay in the right orientation?

Blinking and movement typically rotate contact lenses on the eyes. But toric contact lenses have features that help maintain the correct orientation for astigmatism. 

 

Here are two ways it’s done:

Traditional prism and peri-ballast

Prism ballast contact lenses are thin at the top, thicker at the bottom, the weighted bottom edge helps keep the lens oriented. With head and eye movements the contact lens may not remain stable due to the effects of gravity.

With eyelid stabilisation

ACUVUE® Toric Contact Lenses use an EYELID STABILISED® design. Harnessing the natural movement of your eyelids, our contact lenses ensure that however active you may be, your vision remains clear and stable.2

 

See more ACUVUE® Eye-Inspired Innovations

 

Get started with toric lenses

The path to contact lenses always starts with one thing: an appointment with an Eye Care Professional. Get a comprehensive eye test and a contact lens exam to determine exactly what kind of contact lenses are right for you.

Why choose ACUVUE® for astigmatism?

Clear and stable vision1

No matter how active you are, ACUVUE® Contact Lenses for Astigmatism keep your vision clear and stable.3 Toric contact lenses can correct both short- and long-sightedness for all-day comfort.

EYELID STABILISED® design

For astigmatism, your lenses must stay in place for clear vision. ACUVUE® Contact Lenses stay stable even with extensive head and eye movements.4,5,6

Great for active lifestyles

Your vision stays clear and stable3 as you run, jump and twist. And unlike glasses, there’s a low risk of breaking contact lenses.

Easy application and removal

Due to the contact lenses’ design, you can’t apply them upside down like most other lenses for astigmatism.7

Built in UV protection#3

ACUVUE® offers UV blocking#**8 across its entire line of contact lenses, including those for astigmatism.

Get started with ACUVUE® contact lenses

Try ACUVUE® for free*

Start your Free* Trial of ACUVUE® contact lenses today.

Find an Optician

Locate an Optician near you who can fit you with ACUVUE® contact lenses

FAQ's

Are toric contact lenses easy to get used to?

Yes, they may be slightly more noticeable at first due to their slightly thicker design. However, your eyes should eventually adjust well.

Do toric contact lenses require after-care?

Yes, toric contact lenses require after-care. The level of maintenance depends on whether they are daily disposable or reusable contact lenses. 

Since they’re designed to correct astigmatism and must stay in a specific position on the eye, proper care is important for both vision quality and comfort.

Do toric contact lenses improve night driving vision?

Toric contact lenses can significantly improve your vision when driving at night. They correct the irregular corneal shape that scatters light.

Do toric contact lenses work for computer use?

Yes, toric contact lenses work well for computer use, providing stable and clear vision for those with astigmatism.

While contact lenses can feel drier during long screen sessions, they generally provide a comfortable and effective experience.

Consult your Eye Care Professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

*T&Cs apply: 1 trial per person. 18+. Professional consultation and fitting fees may apply and are not included. Subject to Optician approval. Participating Opticians only. See full terms and conditions.

**Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.

#All ACUVUE® contact lenses have UV Blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV absorbing eyewear as directed by your optician. 

 

 

1. Young, A Sulley & C Hunt. Prevalence of Astigmatism in Relation to Soft CL Fitting. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice. 37(1):20-25, January 2011

2. Data on file 2024, ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM overall fitting success, orientation position, rotational stability and vision performance.

3. JJV Data on file 2024, ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM overall fitting success, orientation position, rotational stability and vision performance.

4. JJV Data on File 2008. No other toric contact lens has the total package like ACUVUE OASYS Brand Contact Lenses for Astigmatism with HYDRACLEAR PLUS.

5. Chamberlain P, Morgan PB, Moody KJ, et al. Fluctuation in visual acuity during soft toric contact lens wear. Optom Vis Sci. 2011;88(4):E534- 538. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e31820ea1ea.

6. McIlraith R, Young G, Hunt C. Toric lens orientation and visual acuity in non- standard conditions. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2010;33(1):23-26. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2009.08.003.

7. JJV Data on File 2016. Design Enhancements and Resultant Benefits of ACUVUE OASYS Brand Contact Lenses 1-Day with HydraLuxe Technology for ASTIGMATISM.

8. JJV Data on File 2018. ACUVUE Brand UV Claims. 

 

 

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact

lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while

wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and

replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact

lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease that may

affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye

discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems,

remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For detailed

information on proper wear, care, warnings and precautions, talk to your Eye Care

Professional and carefully read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website https://www.e-ifu.com/

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Last updated 01/12/2025
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