Can contact lenses correct myopia with astigmatism?

Whether contact lenses can correct both myopia and astigmatism simultaneously depends on the lens type. Standard spherical contact lenses can only correct myopia and are unable to address astigmatism; in contrast, specialized toric contact lenses can accommodate both refractive errors and precisely correct vision. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Standard spherical contact lenses have a uniform optical design that adjusts the eye's overall refractive power, effectively improving blurred vision caused by myopia. However, astigmatism results from irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to differing refractive powers across different meridians. Spherical lenses cannot compensate for these variations, so wearers may still experience double vision, eye strain, and other symptoms, failing to meet the visual needs of individuals with both myopia and astigmatism.

Toric contact lenses feature a special optical design with stabilized axis orientation and parameters tailored to astigmatism correction. They can simultaneously compensate for refractive errors caused by both myopia and astigmatism, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina. These lenses require a professional eye examination to determine precise measurements including myopia degree, astigmatism degree, and axis orientation, ensuring optimal vision correction when custom-fitted.

Prior to wearing toric contact lenses, a comprehensive eye examination is necessary to ensure corneal health. Proper lens hygiene, including thorough cleaning and disinfection, must be strictly followed in daily use, and prolonged wear should be avoided to prevent eye discomfort.