Johnson & Johnson Vision Logo In Red
ACUVUE navy logo in capital letters
You've got questions, we've got answers. Discover why contacts are a great alternative to glasses.
Contacts vs. Glasses
Contact Lens Myths
Cost of Contacts
Types of Contacts
Young Adults
Online Astigmatism Test
Online Presbyopia Test
Online Vision Checker
Discover what sets ACUVUE apart and explore the contact lenses we offer.
About Us
Comfort Promise
Sustainability
All Products
Your step-by-step guide on what you need to do to get contacts.
Find a Doctor
Prepare for an Appointment
Product Quiz
Get a Free* Trial!
Membership Benefits
Find how-to-videos, get live assistance from experts, and more.
Contact Lens Cleaning and Care
LensAssist
New Wearer Guide
FAQs
Learn about the common vision issues that contact lenses can help correct, explore topics on overall eye health, and more.
Astigmatism
General Eye Health
Hyperopia
Life with Contacts
Myopia
Presbyopia
Vision Simulator
Find an eye doctor
Use our locator tool to find a doctor who can fit you with ACUVUE contact lenses.
ACUVUE find a eye locator map displayed on a mobile screen
Eye Health Resources

What are toric contact lenses for astigmatism?

 Toric contact lenses are contacts designed specifically to correct astigmatism. Unlike standard (spherical) contact lenses, toric lenses need to be worn in a specific orientation in order for them to work properly.

Medically reviewed on May 7, 2026
•
Published on August 30, 2024; Updated on July 13, 2026
•
5 minute read

Key takeaways

  • Toric contact lenses are shaped in way that allows them to correct astigmatism

  • While not visible to the naked eye, toric contact lenses have two distinct curves, unlike standard (spherical) contact lenses

  • The term “toric” comes from the name “torus” which is basically the shape of the side of a doughnut. A toric surface has different curvatures in two perpendicular directions—one steeper and one flatter

  • ACUVUE® toric lenses incorporate BLINK STABILIZED® technology to maintain optimal orientation on the eye for clear, stable vision

What are toric lenses and how are they different from regular contacts?

Most contact lenses are spherical because, like a baseball or basketball, they have a uniform curve to redirect light coming into your eye consistently. Toric contact lenses are designed differently. Instead of one uniform curve, toric lenses have two—which corrects for astigmatism.

Toric contact lenses vs. Regular (spherical) lenses

Toric
Regular
Uneven curvatures in different directions
Same curvatures in all directions
Must maintain a specific orientation on the eye to provide clear vision
Any orientation is correct 
May be costlier due to lens design complexity 
Typically more budget-friendly 

What is the meaning of the word “toric?”

The word toric describes a specific shape. It comes from the word torus, which is the shape of a doughnut. If you cut a little slice off the side of a donut, that slice is toric—it’s a piece of a torus and has two different curvatures perpendicular to each other. Toric contact lenses use this principle to correct astigmatism—there is a flatter curve, and a steeper curve. With toric contact lenses, you won’t be able to see these two curves with your naked eye. The contact lenses will look the same as spherical lenses.  

ACUVUE contacts for astigmatism are great for active lifestyles

To provide you with clear, stable vision, ACUVUE Contact Lenses for astigmatism include BLINK STABLIZED® design so that your lenses realign with every blink, even with extensive head and eye movements. 

How toric contact lenses for astigmatism work

Eye doctors prescribe toric lenses based on the exact shape of your cornea and the specific orientation of your astigmatism. Because astigmatism comes in all shapes and sizes, getting fit for toric lenses might take more trials compared to spherical contact lenses. Your eye doctor will prescribe lenses that correct your astigmatism using two different parameters: 

Tailored to your cornea or lens shape

A teal oval with blue lines shows a representation of the curvatures of regular astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is not perfectly round, resulting in different curvature steepness oriented in different directions.The difference between the curvatures determines the severity of astigmatism. In a contact lens prescription, the cylinder (CYL) value specifies how much astigmatism needs to be corrected, while the sphere (SPH) value represents the amount of spherical refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness) that needs to be corrected.

Oriented based on your unique astigmatism

A blue front-view illustration of an eye shows the orientation of oblique astigmatism

Lens orientation is critical when correcting astigmatism because the two curves of the lens need to sit in the exact right position to work properly. With spherical lenses, the orientation of the lens does not matter because it is uniform all around. On a contact lens prescription, AXIS is a measurement of the orientation of your personal astigmatism, always falling between zero and 180 degrees. If you think of your cornea as an American football, AXIS measures the tilt of that football shape.

How do toric lenses stay in the right orientation?

Toric lenses use specialized design features, such as weighted bottoms or blink-stabilization technology, to prevent the lens from rotating out of place. Since blinking and daily movement naturally rotate lenses on the eyes, it is a feat of engineering to keep them properly oriented.

  • Traditional prism and peri-ballast: These types of lenses are designed to have a thicker area below the lower eyelid, which helps keep them oriented correctly. This style is influenced by gravity, which may cause the lens to rotate out of place during certain activities or sudden movements.
  • With blink stabilization: ACUVUE® toric lenses utilize a BLINK STABILIZED® design, meaning the lens works with your eyelids to realign with every single blink. This helps provide clear, stable vision, even during head tilts and extensive eye movements.

Find toric lenses from budget-friendly to state-of-the-art

ACUVUE contact lenses for astigmatism are worn during the day and taken out at night. Depending on the kind you get, you may wear them for one day, two weeks, or a month before disposing of them. Two-week and monthly lenses need to be cleaned and disinfected with multipurpose disinfecting solution every night.

Why choose ACUVUE contact lenses for astigmatism?

Clear, unobstructed vision

Contacts provide unobstructed sight and correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

BLINK STABILIZED® Design

For astigmatism, it’s extremely important that your lenses stay in place for clear vision. Ours realigns with every blink.

Great for active lifestyles

You can run, jump and twist without worrying about glasses falling off or getting damaged. 

Apply and remove hassle free

Due to the contact lens's design, it can't be put on upside down like some other lenses for astigmatism.

UV protection#^

ACUVUE offers UV blocking#^  across its entire line of contact lenses to help shield against harmful UV rays

What’s next?

Ask your eye doctor about ACUVUE contacts for astigmatism

Curious what your contact lens options are? Get in touch with your eye doctor for a contact lens fitting exam.

Check your eyes for symptoms of astigmatism

While only an eye doctor can diagnose your astigmatism, you can test yourself for symptoms with our quick online test.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

While individuals with very mild astigmatism might be able to wear regular spherical lenses, some people with astigmatism need toric contact lenses to properly correct the irregular shape of their cornea and experience clear vision.

Toric lenses are designed to stabilize on the eye and maintain the correct alignment for clear vision. If your vision remains blurry after a few blinks, the lens may not be properly positioned and you may need to consult your eye doctor for a fit assessment.

Because toric lenses require a more complex design, they generally cost more than standard spherical contact lenses.

Many people adjust to toric lenses within a few days to a week. If you experience ongoing discomfort or blurry vision, remove your contact lenses and consult your eye doctor.

Most modern toric lenses are designed to feel comfortable on your eye. They are made from soft, breathable materials intended to feel natural on your eye. A proper fitting from your eye doctor is key to ensuring comfort. 

While minor astigmatism may sometimes be treated with a regular spherical lens, if you have clinically significant astigmatism, or astigmatism that isn’t corrected enough with spherical lenses, toric lenses may be for you. Ultimately, it’s up to your eye doctor to decide the best way to treat your astigmatism. 

Related content

A dark photo with only headlights visible, which have streaks of light coming from them

How does astigmatism impact your ability to drive at night?

Optometry Corneal Topographer Showing an Eye and Cornea on Screen

Can astigmatism be fixed permanently or cured?

Stay in touch

With your consent, we will use your email to send you information about our products and services tailored to your interests. You may withdraw your consent at any time. Please read our Privacy Policy.

Required fields are marked with an asterisk *
*
*
*
Experience with lenses
*
Please Select

This site is protected by Cloudflare Turnstile and its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The information provided on this page and across the entire Acuvue.com experience is designed to offer educational insights into eye health, referencing expert advice from reputable medical and government organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. While we research, report, and review the content on Acuvue.com and its extended social media to deliver accurate and up-to-date vision, vision care, and vision correction information, we do not make any assurances, and content accessed on or through Acuvue.com and its extended social media is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any eye conditions or health issues. This brings us to our #1 eye health tip: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and care. 

 

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

^WARNING: 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. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

2026PP08120
ACUVUE navy logo in capital letters
We support the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on interacting with Healthcare Professionals.
Advamed Logo
Why Choose ACUVUE?
Lifestyle Quiz
Free Trial
Find an Eye Doctor
Contact Us
Product Complaint Center
Our Comfort Promise
FAQs
Patient Instruction Guides
Sitemap
Select Location
Login/Sign Up
Membership Benefits
About ACUVUE®
For Professionals
Careers at J&J
Terms & Conditions
Privacy
Cookies Policy
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Accessibility Policy
© Johnson & Johnson and its affiliates 2026. All rights reserved. This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., which is solely responsible for its content. It is intended for use by residents of the United States.

Third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.