If you've been told contacts won’t work for your astigmatism, it's time to revisit your options. At , we fit a wide range of lenses for patients from and surrounding areas seeking a personalized solution.
What Is Astigmatism—and Why It Matters for Contact Lenses
Astigmatism is one of the most common vision issues, and it's also one of the most misunderstood. It happens when the eye's shape is more like a football than a basketball—creating uneven curves on the front surface (cornea) or the internal lens.
This irregular shape bends light in multiple directions, which leads to:
- Blurry or fuzzy vision at certain distances
- Difficulty focusing, especially in low light
- Eye strain or fatigue after screen time or reading
Eyeglasses correct astigmatism using a special “cylinder” power in the prescription. Contact lenses can correct it too—but they need the right design to stay properly aligned on your eye.
How Toric Lenses Help With Astigmatism
Toric contact lenses are made just for astigmatic eyes. Unlike standard soft contacts, which have the same power all around, toric lenses are shaped to provide different levels of correction in different directions. They also include design elements to keep them stable on your eye, such as:
- Slightly thicker or weighted zones to prevent rotation
- Prism ballast, which helps the lens settle into the right spot
- Edge designs that guide the lens to the same position with every blink
Even small shifts in a toric lens’s position can affect your clarity. That’s why your optometrist at carefully adjusts:
- Sphere power (for nearsightedness or farsightedness)
- Cylinder power and axis (to correct your astigmatism)
- The lens size and fit for optimal comfort and movement
Every adjustment is made with your sharpest possible vision in mind.
Comparing Toric and Gas Permeable Lenses
Not every astigmatism case is the same, which is why offers two major types of contact lenses designed to correct it: toric soft lenses and gas permeable (GP) lenses.
Toric Soft Contact Lenses
- Made from soft, flexible materials
- Available in daily, biweekly, and monthly options
- Ideal for mild to moderate astigmatism
- Feel familiar to those who’ve worn soft lenses before
- Great for sports, active lifestyles, or everyday comfort
Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses
- Made from rigid, oxygen-permeable material
- Hold their shape on the eye, providing a smooth optical surface
- Often give clearer, more stable vision for certain prescriptions
- Excellent for high or irregular astigmatism
- Take a little getting used to, but many patients love the results
During your exam, we’ll help you explore both options so you can make an informed decision that suits your vision, lifestyle, and comfort.
Are You a Hard-to-Fit Contact Lens Patient?
Astigmatism alone doesn’t make you “hard to fit,” but if you’ve been told contact lenses aren’t an option, there’s a good chance you just haven’t had the right fitting.
At , we routinely help patients with:
- Moderate to severe astigmatism
- Dry eye syndrome that complicates lens wear
- Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)
- Sensitive eyes or previous contact lens frustrations
If you’ve struggled with standard lenses in the past, we can often find a better match. Multifocal toric lenses, for example, correct both astigmatism and reading vision without the need for bifocals or readers.
What to Expect at Your Contact Lens Exam
Fitting lenses for astigmatism takes more than just checking your prescription. Our exam includes:
- A full eye health evaluation
- Precise corneal shape measurements
- Tear film testing to assess dryness or irritation risk
- On-eye trial fitting with toric or GP lenses
- Axis and power fine-tuning for sharp, stable vision
- Education on wearing schedules and proper care
We’ll also schedule a follow-up visit to make sure your lenses are still fitting well once you’ve worn them in your daily routine.
Keep Glasses as Your Backup Plan
Even if you love your contacts, we always recommend keeping a current pair of glasses on hand. They give your eyes a break when needed—and they’re a lifesaver when dealing with allergies, illness, or late nights. Our optical team can help you find backup glasses (or prescription sunglasses!) that complement your contact lens routine.
Ready to Try Astigmatism Contacts in ?
If you’re searching for astigmatism contacts near Squirrel Hill, the optometrists at are ready to help.
Whether you’re trying toric lenses for the first time or need a specialty fit for complex vision needs, we’ll walk you through the options and find the best solution for your eyes.
Schedule your contact lens exam today—and discover just how comfortable and clear your vision can be.