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Contact Lens Spectrum

Article

Prescribing for Astigmatism: Steering the Toric Talk

Patients frequently exclude themselves as contact lens candidates because they have astigmatism.

Emily Gottschalk, OD
Contact Lens Spectrum November 1, 2025 Vol 40, Issue November_December 2025 Page(s): 22

Clinical Report: Prescribing for Astigmatism: Steering the Toric Talk

Overview

This report highlights the significant underutilization of toric contact lenses among astigmatic patients, despite their increasing availability and improved fitting success rates. Recent studies demonstrate that toric lenses can enhance visual performance, particularly for digital tasks, thus addressing common misconceptions about contact lens wear for astigmatism.

Background

Astigmatism affects nearly half of potential contact lens candidates, yet many patients mistakenly believe they are not suitable for contact lenses. The rise in toric lens prescribing reflects advancements in lens technology and an increasing recognition of the need for effective vision correction in astigmatic patients, especially in the context of growing digital device usage.

Data Highlights

YearToric Lens Prescribing (% of Soft Fits)
200024.4%
202346.2%

Key Findings

  • 47.4% of patients meet the threshold for soft toric lens correction.
  • Toric lenses account for 28% of all soft contact lens fits.
  • Success rates for toric lens fitting are 80% for existing spherical wearers and 75% for contact lens dropouts.
  • Toric lenses significantly improve near visual acuity and reduce reading errors compared to spherical lenses.
  • 77% of toric lenses settle within 5° of the ideal location within one minute of application.

Clinical Implications

Practitioners should proactively discuss toric lens options with patients, as many may not consider themselves candidates due to misconceptions about astigmatism. Improved fitting technologies and designs can enhance patient satisfaction and reduce chair time, making toric lenses a viable option for a broader range of astigmatic patients.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of addressing astigmatism in contact lens prescribing and highlight the benefits of toric lenses in enhancing visual performance for patients, particularly in the digital age.

References

  1. Morgan PB, Woods CA, Tranoudis IG, et al., Contact Lens Spectrum, 2025 -- International contact lens prescribing in 2024
  2. Efron N, Morgan PB, Woods CA, et al., Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 2024 -- International trends in prescribing toric soft contact lenses to correct astigmatism (2000-2023): An update
  3. Sulley A, Young G, Lorenz KO, Hunt C, Ophthalmic Physiol Opt, 2013 -- Clinical evaluation of fitting toric soft contact lenses to current non-users
  4. Read SA, Vincent SJ, Colorado LH, et al., Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 2025 -- The impact of toric contact lens correction upon functional near visual performance with digital devices
  5. Contact Lens Spectrum — Prescribing for Astigmatism
  6. Contact Lens Spectrum — Prescribing for Astigmatism
  7. Contact Lens Spectrum — prescribing for astigmatism
  8. Contact Lens Spectrum — Prescribing for Astigmatism
  9. Prescribing for Astigmatism - Contact Lens Spectrum
  10. Prescribing for Astigmatism - Contact Lens Spectrum
  11. Prescribing for Astigmatism - Contact Lens Spectrum
  12. International trends in prescribing toric soft contact lenses to correct astigmatism (2000–2023): An update - ScienceDirect
  13. Evaluating the visual benefits of toric soft contact lenses using a novel pupil-controlled vision testing system - ScienceDirect
  14. AAO Releases Updated PPP Guidelines for Adult Eye Exams