Ask the Optician

Astigmatism & disposable contact lenses

Question

Can people with astigmatism wear disposable contact lenses?

Answer Written answer:
Registered Optometrist Paul Carroll BSc(Hons) MCOptom MBA answers this question.

Yes. In astigmatism the eye is not perfectly round. If the astigmatism is slight, a gas-permeable lens which is rigid sits on the front of the eye and the lens's round shape corrects the vision. In the past this gas-permeable option has often been the first-choice recommendation. An ordinary soft lens is floppy and so when it is in place on the eye, it follows the natural curve of the eye and so does not give it the desired rounded shape. A special lens design called 'toric' (available in soft or rigid gas-permeable materials) does correct astigmatism, and these lenses can be made to correct higher levels of astigmatism than the ordinary gas-permeable lens. A number of manufacturers now produce regular replacement and daily disposable soft toric contact lenses and your optician will be able to advise you on prices and availability.

Optician's Biography

Optometrist Paul Carroll joined Specsavers 20 years ago as the resident optometrist director at Specsavers in Southport and for the last 15 years, has worked as Director of Professional Services for the Specsavers group. Paul is closely involved with the development of eyecare services at Specsavers and across the wider optical sector through his appointment to a variety of professional, health and educational posts.
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    Ask the optician, receive friendly, professional advice