Understanding Your Astigmatism Contact Lens Prescription

If you’ve just been diagnosed with astigmatism and handed a contact lens prescription, you might be staring at a page of unfamiliar terms and numbers. Unlike standard prescriptions, those for contacts for astigmatism contain extra measurements that ensure your lenses align perfectly with your eyes.

Let’s break it all down so you can understand what each field means and how to choose the right toric lenses online.

What’s Different About Astigmatism Prescriptions?

Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curve in your cornea or lens, which means your eye needs correction in two different meridians. Toric contact lenses are custom-designed to address this. That’s why prescriptions for contacts for astigmatism include more detail than standard prescriptions.

Key Terms in Your Astigmatism Prescription

Here’s what you’ll typically see:

OD / OS

• OD (oculus dexter) = Right eye
  
  

• OS (oculus sinister) = Left eye
  
  

Sphere (SPH)

This is the basic vision correction for nearsightedness (–) or farsightedness (+).

Cylinder (CYL)

This corrects the degree of astigmatism. Always a negative number for contact lenses.

Axis

The angle (between 0 and 180 degrees) that indicates where the astigmatism is located. It helps orient your toric lens.

Base Curve (BC)

This ensures the lens fits the curve of your eye. Common values range between 8.4 and 9.0.

Diameter (DIA)

The width of the lens, typically between 13.8 and 14.5 mm.

Brand

Astigmatism lenses are brand-specific. Your prescription may recommend a certain brand like:

• Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
  
  

• Air Optix for Astigmatism
  
  

• Biofinity Toric
  
  

• Precision1 for Astigmatism
  
  

Sample Toric Contact Lens Prescription

What to Know When Ordering Toric Contacts Online

When buying contacts for astigmatism from Contact Lens King:

• Match your prescription exactly – Even a small change in axis or cylinder can impact your vision.
  
  

• Stick with the brand your doctor recommended, unless advised otherwise.
  
  

• Double-check your numbers – Toric lenses are custom-made to your specs.
  
  

• Take advantage of discounts for multi-box purchases on Contact Lens King.
  
  

Why the Right Fit Matters

Toric lenses must sit in the correct position on your eye to provide clear vision. That’s why exact specs, especially axis and cylinder, are essential. If you’ve had blurry vision with past lenses, a slight prescription tweak might make a big difference.

Need Help? Contact Lens King Has You Covered

Still unsure about your prescription? Our team at Contact Lens King is here to help you find the perfect contacts for astigmatism, all while saving you money and delivering convenience.

Competitive prices
Top brands in stock
Fast, reliable shipping
Easy reordering system

Reading your astigmatism prescription doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you understand what each term means, you can confidently order the right lenses for your needs—and enjoy sharp, stable vision every day.

Browse Toric Contact Lenses Now

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