Can You Wear Contact Lenses With Astigmatism? Find Out

By Shelby Bonner Jul 28, 2024

Astigmatism is an eye condition that occurs when light does not focus in one direct line through your eye, causing things both near and far to appear blurry and distorted. According to a study done by optometrists in 2023, it affects over one-third of people worldwide.

Many people wear contact lenses to correct their vision problems. But can you wear them if you have astigmatism? The answer is yes, contacts will help correct astigmatism. However, not all contacts will work. Astigmatism requires special kinds of contact lenses.

Though there are many different treatments for astigmatism and many types of contacts, not all treatments work for everyone. Below we will look more into astigmatism, what kind of contacts can correct it, and other key tips and tricks.

Panaprium is independent and reader supported. If you buy something through our link, we may earn a commission. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you!

What Is Astigmatism?

The American Optometrist Association states astigmatism affects your cornea, the clear rounded outer part of your eye that covers your iris and pupil. Ordinarily, your cornea is shaped like a round ball. With astigmatism, this part is unevenly curved, shaped more like the pointy end of a football.

With correct vision, light enters into your retina in the back of your eye in one straight line. With astigmatism, this light is scattered into several lines, creating blurry images and causing eye staring, squinting poor night vision, and headaches.

Lenticular astigmatism occurs when your lens, not your cornea is misshaped. Astigmatism can affect people with normal vision, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.

There is no one cause for astigmatism, though there is a genetic component. Other causes include eye injury to the cornea, as well as continual pressure from your eyelid.

Contacts to Fix Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a relatively easy condition to correct with contact lenses. Regular contact lenses will not fit properly over an irregularly shaped cornea, and lead to discomfort and eye strain when worn with people with astigmatism.

Instead, there are three main types of contacts to correct the shape of your cornea according to The American Optomotrist Association.

Toric Lenses

Toric lenses are a soft contact that helps reshape your cornea to the proper curved shape. They are used for people with moderate to severe astigmatism.

Pros

These soft lenses are more comfortable and easier to get used to.

Cons

They are more expensive than regular soft lenses and need to be replaced more frequently than rigid-style lenses.

Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses

These lenses are made from a rigid material that still allows oxygen to pass through your cornea.

Pros

RGP lenses are custom-made into one pair of contacts that do not need to be replaced unless your eyesight changes.

Cons

Since they are reusable lenses, they do require more maintenance and cleaning. They also take longer to adapt to and get used to.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses are a combination of soft toric lenses and RGP lenses. The center is rigid to correct your astigmatism while the edges that stick to your eye are soft for added comfort and stability.

Pros

Hybrid contact lenses are comfortable like soft lenses while offering great clarity like RGP lenses.

Cons

Like RGP lenses, hybrid contacts are harder to fit and get used to. They also take longer to learn how to put in and take out.

Contact Lenses vs. Glasses

Glasses are also just as effective at correcting astigmatism, so which one is best? The American Academy of Ophthalmology breaks down each:

Contact Lenses Pros

Contact lenses provide a wider range of view than glasses, increasing your peripheral vision. They also create a natural look, with no frames or lenses to obstruct your eyes or face or clash with your clothing or style.

Contact lenses won’t smudge your makeup, or obstruct your eye makeup. They also won’t fog up like glasses.

Contact Lenses Cons

You may still need to wear protective eyewear over your contact lenses for sports and certain types of work.

Contact lenses also have continual costs, such as purchasing new ones, as well as purchasing contact solutions and cleaners.

Contacts can be uncomfortable to put in, take out, as well as wear for extended periods.

Glasses Pros

There is no learning curve with glasses to learn how to wear them. Glasses can also have several layers of lenses to correct astigmatism as well as other common eye issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness.

You only need to purchase one pair of glasses and can choose from a wide range of frame styles and colors to show off your personality.

Glasses Cons

Glasses can easily be dropped, scratched, and damaged through day-to-day wear and activities. They are also more expensive to replace compared to contact lenses if they are lost or damaged.

It can be harder to style glasses and wear makeup and glasses can fog up in certain weather.

What To Avoid to Stay Safe

Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions on how to put in and remove your contacts safely. The Canadian Association of Optometrists tells us to make sure to clean our contact lenses between uses and always store them in fresh contact lens solutions.

Don’t sleep with your contact lenses in as that can cause your eyes to become irritated, dry, red, and even cause infections.

Make sure to get your eyes checked regularly to see if your eyes have changed and require different contact lenses.

Outfit Ideas With Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a versatile choice that can be worn for any occasion, outfit, and overall look.

Fun Sunglasses

Now is your chance to rock a pair of fun, bold sunglasses now that you don’t need to wear a pair of prescription sunglasses. Choose ones in a fun color, pattern, or shape.

Try on these affordable sunglasses.

Cocktail Dress

Many people wear contact lenses at a formal event, for a more eloquent look, and to show off their eyes and eye makeup. Pair them with a classy cocktail dress and a pair of heels or boots for a showstopping, sophisticated look.

Save these cocktail dresses.

Business Look

Wear your contact lenses at the office, with a pair of slacks or a pencil skirt and a soft, silky blouse or button-down shirt. Create an easy look with natural tones, or introduce a subtle pattern such as pinstripes or plaid.

Look stylish in these business casual outfits.

Casual Look

Spend the day in your favorite causal look and your contact lenses. A classic casual outfit might be a pair of torn jeans and a t-shirt, a matching tracksuit, or a maxi skirt with a crop top. The combinations are endless!

Check out these affordable, sustainable jeans.

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

About the Author: Shelby Bonner

Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.

What We're Up Against

Multinational corporations overproducing cheap products in the poorest countries.
Huge factories with sweatshop-like conditions underpaying workers.
Media conglomerates promoting unethical, unsustainable products.
Bad actors encouraging overconsumption through oblivious behavior.
- - - -
Thankfully, we've got our supporters, including you.
Panaprium is funded by readers like you who want to join us in our mission to make the world entirely sustainable.

If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you.