If you suffer from astigmatism and also develop presbyopia as you get older you will need a way to correct both conditions. Toric bifocal contact lenses are made for just this situation. In the past the only option in this situation was to wear eyeglasses, but nowadays you can have the convenience of wearing contact lenses specially made for those with both these eye problems.

What is Presbyopia?

As we grow older the lenses in our eyes become more rigid and cannot focus so easily on closer objects. This is called presbyopia and it is something most of us will experience as we age. The first symptom most people notice is that they need to hold books and papers further and further before they come into focus. Bifocal glasses have been used to correct this problem for many years but until recently bifocal contact lenses were not an option. Toric contact lenses are used to correct this problem and nowadays there are many options to choose from.

You can obtain toric lenses in either rigid gas permeable (RGP) or soft types. They are different from other types of lenses as they are not perfectly spherical and need to be worn with one side up and the other down. They are usually made slightly thicker on the bottom so that they naturally take up a correct position.

What is Astigmatism?

This eye condition is caused by the cornea, or sometimes the lens, that is not perfectly spherical. This leads to blurred vision and may also cause eye strain or headaches. It can be corrected by wearing corrective glasses, surgery or by using toric contact lenses. Until recently toric contact lenses were only available in RGP types but nowadays soft lenses are also available. You can also find toric lenses in extended wear, daily or even colored contact lens types. Although soft contact lenses are easier to wear and usually more comfortable RGP toric lenses do give slightly better vision.

What about Toric Bifocal Contact Lenses?

If you have astigmatism and need to wear contact lenses to improve your vision you may find that as you age you also start to have problems focusing on close objects. So you will need a contact lens to correct both these problems and nowadays bifocal toric contact lenses are available. These types of bifocal lenses are a combination of toric lenses to correct the astigmatism and bifocal or multifocal lenses to correct the presbyopia.

Not everyone finds that toric bifocal lenses are suitable for them and fitting this type of lens is harder than other types so you will need to be patient while your ophthalmologist makes sure that you are getting the correct prescription. Lenses of this type will also be more expensive than many other types. For those with fairly severe astigmatism you will usually be offered an RGP lens.

Conclusion

Instead of wearing eyeglasses, those who suffer from astigmatism or presbyopia can now wear bifocal lenses which many people find much more convenient. Now even if you suffer from both of these conditions you can opt for toric bifocal contact lenses which, although more expensive than other types, will allow you to have great vision without the inconvenience of glasses.

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