Astigmatism, or stigmatism as many people know it, is the result of having corneas or lens that are oblong in shape rather than the normal round shape that people with perfect vision have. It is predominantly an inherited trait, but it can also be caused by over correction during laser surgery. People who have astigmatism may experience blurred vision and headaches.

What toric lenses do is provide a correction that compensates for the shape of the cornea. Since contacts float on top of the eye and turn as you blink, a toric has a small, invisible weight at the bottom of each lens that constantly helps the contact rotate back into the proper position needed to provide the wearer with clear vision. This makes it important for wearers of torics to do the following to ensure their lenses float freely:

* Blink frequently to rewet the eyes.

* Use rewetting drops as needed to resolve dry eye issues.

* Keep contacts clean and free of debris or buildup which may throw off the balance of the lens on the eye.

Because of the added correction for astigmatism in toric lenses, they typically cost more than the average contact lens and are often made of a more sturdy material. Additionally, many find that wearing torics for extended periods results in discomfort and blurred vision because they cannot keep their contacts wet enough to float freely on the eyes. Another cause is the buildup that naturally occurs from wearing contacts created by the counterweight, which keeps the lens from staying in the position needed for proper correction.

The best way to decide whether toric contact lenses are right for you is to discuss it with your optometrist who may also be able to provide you with a free trial pair of disposable torics before you make your final decision. This will allow you to wear a pair for a while before spending your money on a product that may not work for you.