Astigmatism can make vision appear blurry or distorted at multiple distances. While standard soft contact lenses may work for mild prescriptions, people with higher astigmatism often need a more precise design. At Dr. Steven Lutz & Associates, we provide personalized contact lens fittings to help patients find lenses that offer clear, stable, and comfortable vision.

How Astigmatism Affects Vision

Astigmatism usually occurs when the cornea or the internal lens of the eye has an uneven curvature. Instead of focusing light evenly, the eye creates more than one focal point. This can cause blurred vision, eyestrain, headaches, glare, or difficulty seeing fine details.

A standard spherical contact lens has the same corrective power throughout the lens. Toric contact lenses are different because they contain separate powers to correct both astigmatism and nearsightedness or farsightedness.

What Makes Toric Contact Lenses Different?

Toric lenses must remain in a specific position on the eye for the prescription to work properly. Each toric contact lens includes an axis measurement that determines how the astigmatism correction should be aligned.

These lenses are designed with stabilization features that help reduce unwanted rotation during blinking and normal eye movements. When a toric lens stays properly positioned, it can provide clearer and more consistent vision. If it rotates too much, vision may temporarily blur or fluctuate.

Why High Astigmatism Requires a Precise Fitting

Fitting contacts for high astigmatism involves more than selecting lenses based on a glasses prescription. We evaluate the eye’s shape, tear film, prescription, and how the diagnostic lens settles after it is placed on the eye.

During a toric contact lens fitting we may assess:

• The amount and direction of lens rotation

• Whether the lens remains centered during blinking

• The stability and sharpness of the patient’s vision

• The comfort of the lens throughout the day

• Whether a soft toric, rigid gas permeable, hybrid, or scleral lens may provide better results

Small adjustments to the cylinder power, axis, material, or lens design can make a noticeable difference, especially for patients with high astigmatism.

Exploring Different Contact Lens Options

Many patients can achieve excellent vision with soft toric contact lenses. These lenses are available in several materials, replacement schedules, and prescription ranges. However, high prescriptions, irregular corneas, keratoconus, or previous eye surgery may require a specialty contact lens.

Rigid gas permeable and scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface over the cornea, which may provide sharper vision for certain complex prescriptions. Our contact lens specialists consider each patient’s eye health, lifestyle, and visual demands before recommending a lens.

Allowing Time for Fine-Tuning

A successful contact lens fitting may require follow-up visits. We check how the lenses perform during real-world wear and make adjustments when needed. Our goal is not simply to find a lens that fits - it is to provide reliable vision and comfort that supports your work, driving, reading, and daily activities.

Schedule a specialty contact lens fitting with Dr. Steven Lutz & Associates and discover a personalized lens option designed for clearer, more comfortable vision. Contact our office by calling (734) 769-2909 to book an appointment.