Can You Wear Colored Contacts with Astigmatism? Myths and Facts

Quick answer

Yes, you can wear colored contacts with astigmatism, but not all colored lenses are suitable. You need toric lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Standard circle lenses won't provide the necessary correction and may not fit properly.

If you have astigmatism, you might think colored contacts are off the table. That's a common misconception. The truth is, there are options, but you need to know what to look for and what to avoid.

In this article, we'll separate fact from fiction and help you understand the difference between regular colored lenses and toric colored lenses.

Myth 1: All Colored Contacts Are the Same

Many people assume that any colored contact lens will work for any eye, regardless of astigmatism. In reality, standard colored contacts are spherical, meaning they have the same power across the entire lens. They correct nearsightedness or farsightedness but do not correct the irregular curvature of the cornea that causes astigmatism.

Toric lenses, on the other hand, have different powers in different meridians of the lens. They are designed to sit in a specific orientation on the eye to correct astigmatism. If you have astigmatism and wear a non-toric colored lens, you'll likely experience blurry vision and discomfort.

• Always check if a colored lens is labeled 'toric' before purchasing.

Myth 2: Toric Lenses Are Only for Clear Contacts

It's easy to think that toric lenses are only available in clear versions, but that's not true. Many brands now offer toric colored contacts in a variety of shades and styles. For example, the Uris Bonbon Intense Black (Toric) is a colored toric lens that provides both vision correction and a dramatic look.

However, it's important to note that toric colored lenses are made-to-order and typically take longer to produce. This is because they are custom-made to fit your specific prescription and astigmatism needs. If you're planning for a special event, order well in advance.

• Order toric lenses separately from other items to avoid delays in shipping.

Myth 3: Circle Lenses Can Correct Astigmatism

Circle lenses are popular for their enlarging effect, but they are not designed to correct astigmatism. Most circle lenses are spherical and lack the cylinder power needed for astigmatism correction. Wearing them with astigmatism can lead to poor vision and eye strain.

If you have astigmatism and want the circle lens look, look for toric circle lenses. These are specifically engineered to provide both the cosmetic effect and the necessary correction. However, they are less common and may have limited styles available.

• Always consult with an eye care professional before choosing circle lenses for astigmatism.

Verdicts at a glance

• Can you wear colored contacts with astigmatism?: Yes, but only if they are toric lenses. Non-toric colored lenses won't correct your vision properly. Look for 'toric' in the product name or specs.
• Are toric colored contacts available?: Yes, but they are made-to-order and can take 45-60 days to produce. Order well in advance for events.
• Do circle lenses work for astigmatism?: Only if they are specifically toric circle lenses. Standard circle lenses do not correct astigmatism. Check for toric designation before buying circle lenses.

Products to consider

• Uris Bonbon Intense Black (Toric): AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER ONLY. All toric lenses are made-to-order and generally take about 45-60 days to produce. Please order toric lenses individually in one order to avoid other items in the same order being on-hold. This is a true toric colored lens, so it's a viable option for astigmatism, but you need to plan ahead due to the long production time.
• GEO Mimi Cafe Macchiato Brown: Latte art for your eyes is what best describes the Mimi Cafe series. Macchiato Brown offers luscious swirls inspired by coffee milk that wake up your eye colour like no other lenses. A generous enlargement produces doll eyes that capture passers-by in amazement. This is a stylish circle lens, but it is not a toric lens. If you have astigmatism, this won't provide the correction you need.

Having astigmatism doesn't mean you have to give up colored contacts. With toric options available, you can enjoy both clear vision and a new look. Just remember to verify that the lenses are toric, plan for longer production times, and always prioritize eye health by consulting a professional.