How to Properly Fit Toric Contact Lenses: A Step-by-Step Guide

 If you have astigmatism, you may have been told that regular contact lenses aren't suitable for you. This is where toric contact lenses come in. These specially designed lenses cater to the unique shape of eyes with astigmatism, providing clear and stable vision. However, fitting toric lenses can be a bit different from fitting regular lenses due to their specific requirements.

In this guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of getting properly fitted for a toric contact lens and what to expect during your eye exam.

Step 1: Schedule an Eye Exam

The first step in getting toric contact lenses is to book an appointment with an eye care professional. During this exam, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will evaluate your vision and determine the degree of astigmatism you have. This step is crucial because astigmatism involves an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, and toric lenses need to be tailored to your specific measurements for a perfect fit.

What to Expect:

• A comprehensive eye exam that checks your overall eye health and vision.

• Visual acuity tests to determine your prescription strength for distance, near vision, and astigmatism correction.

• Corneal topography maps the surface of your eye, giving your doctor a detailed understanding of its shape.

Step 2: Understanding Your Prescription

After your eye exam, your eye care professional will provide a prescription that includes additional details specific to toric lenses. Toric lenses, in contrast to regular contact lenses, have two powers: one for astigmatism correction and one for distance vision. The prescription will include three key measurements:

• Spherical power (SPH): Corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness.

• Cylindrical power (CYL): Corrects the degree of astigmatism.

• Axis: Indicates the orientation of the cylindrical power for proper alignment on your eye.

What to Expect:

• Your prescription will likely be more detailed than those for standard contact lenses.

• The axis measurement will be crucial in ensuring the lens sits correctly on your eye to provide clear vision.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Toric Lens

There are different types of toric contact lenses to choose from, and your eye care professional will help you find the best option based on your lifestyle, preferences, and eye health needs. Options include:

• Soft toric lenses: Comfortable and available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly options.

• Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) toric lenses: Provide sharper vision and may be recommended for severe astigmatism.

• Hybrid toric lenses: Combine the comfort of soft lenses with the clarity of RGP lenses.

What to Expect:

• Your eye care professional will ask about your lifestyle and preferences to help you choose the right type of toric lens.

• They may provide trial lenses to determine the best fit and material for your eyes.

Step 4: The Fitting Process

Fitting toric contact lenses is more complex than fitting regular lenses because they need to align with your astigmatism's specific axis. During the fitting process:

1. Lens Insertion: Your eye care professional will insert the trial lenses and let them settle on your eyes for a few minutes.

2. Positioning Check: Toric lenses have markings that help the optometrist check their orientation. These markings must align correctly to provide optimal vision.

3. Vision Assessment: You'll be asked to read an eye chart or focus on different objects to evaluate the clarity of your vision with the lenses.

What to Expect:

• It may take a few minutes for the lenses to settle on your eyes.

• Your eye care professional may need to adjust the fit or try different lenses to achieve the best vision correction.

Step 5: Trial Period and Follow-Up

Once the fitting is complete, your eye care professional may give you a pair of trial toric lenses to wear for a week or two. This trial period allows you to test the lenses in your daily activities and ensure they are comfortable and effective.

During the follow-up appointment, you will discuss:

• Comfort levels: Are the lenses comfortable for extended wear?

• Vision clarity: Are you experiencing clear, stable vision throughout the day?

• Lens rotation: Are the lenses staying in place without rotating, which could cause blurred vision?

What to Expect:

• You may need additional follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit, especially if you experience any discomfort or vision issues.

• Adjustments to the prescription or lens type may be made based on your feedback.

Tips for Maintaining Your Toric Lenses

• Clean your lenses properly: Use the recommended cleaning solution to remove debris and protein buildup.

• Follow the wear schedule: Stick to the wear schedule advised by your eye care professional to avoid discomfort.

• Handle with care: Toric lenses can rotate if handled roughly, so be gentle when inserting and removing them.

Fitting a toric contact lens is a detailed process that requires a precise prescription and proper fitting to ensure clear, stable vision. While it may take a little longer than fitting standard lenses, the result is well worth it—clearer vision and improved comfort for those with astigmatism. By understanding the fitting process and following your eye care professional’s guidance, you can enjoy the benefits of toric lenses and experience enhanced vision in your daily life.

If you have astigmatism and are considering contact lenses, book an appointment with your eye care professional today to start the fitting process for toric lenses!