Buyers guide to the best contact lenses for astigmatism
Let’s clear up one common myth: the misconception that patients with astigmatism can’t wear contact lenses. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error, like nearsightedness or farsightedness, that can cause blurry vision.
“Everyone acts like [astigmatism] is a big deal and it’s not. It’s just a basic refractive error,” explains Valerie Kattouf, a clinical instructor at the University of Chicago Ophthalmology Department.
As with the other refractive errors, patients have an array of choices for astigmatism contacts, including daily lenses, monthly lenses and even colored contacts.
“Contact lenses can correct almost any level of astigmatism,” says Burt Dubow, an optometrist and past chair of the contact lens section of the American Optometric Association.
Best contacts for astigmatism and dry eyes
The best contacts for dry eyes and astigmatism use special technology to offer added hydration or can be discarded frequently to prevent buildup that can worsen dry eyes.
Here are a few top picks for best astigmatism contacts for dry eyes:
1. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
These two-week contacts include Hydraclear Plus Technology, Blink Stabilized Design and UV protection. These lenses are designed to keep eyes moist even in dry or dusty conditions. Plus, Acuvue Oasys lenses are the No. 1 selling contacts worldwide.
These monthly contacts from CooperVision are available in an extended power range, stay 96% hydrated after 12 hours of wear and are cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for the claim: “may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear.”
These monthly disposable contacts from Bausch and Lomb have “moisture seal” technology that retains 95% of lens moisture for 16 hours.
Another option for patients with dry eyes is to switch to daily disposable contacts for astigmatism.
SEE RELATED: Best contacts for dry eyes in 2024
Best daily contacts for astigmatism
Daily contacts can be a great choice if you have dry eyes, or you want to put in a fresh pair of lenses daily so you don’t have to clean or store your contacts. Here are a few picks for the best daily contacts for astigmatism:
4. 1-DAY Acuvue Moist Brand Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
With Lacreon Technology that provides constant moisture, these daily contacts are designed for outstanding comfort. And the disposable lenses are also bolstered by Blink Technology giving them exceptional stability as well.
5. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe Technology for Astigmatism
These daily disposable contacts for astigmatism have UV protection and hydrating technology to soothe tired eyes.
6. Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric
These daily contacts from Alcon are designed for stability and consistent, clear vision. They are also considered among the best astigmatism contacts for sensitive eyes.
“Daily lenses are choice number one for a lot of practitioners because of their safety and comfort,” Dubow says. “They're especially good for patients who have dry eye problems.”
Best extended wear contacts for astigmatism
Just because you have astigmatism doesn’t mean you don’t want the convenience of extended wear contact lenses. It’s never recommended to wear contacts longer than the designated duration. But some lenses are designed to provide long lasting comfort and stability for longer than average wear time.
These toric contact lenses are designed with SmartShield Technology and provide all-day comfort, including for up to six nights of extended wear.
How to get contacts for astigmatism
You may want to start by browsing lens options online and reading reviews to see what other patients recommend as the best contacts for astigmatism.
Then you’ll need a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting from an eye doctor. You’ll work with your doctor to choose the best contacts for you, test them and make sure they’re a good fit.
“Working with your eye care professional and ensuring they evaluate the lenses on your eyes is extremely important both for eye health and great vision,” Kattouf says.
