Can people with astigmatism wear colored contact lenses?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, whether individuals with astigmatism can wear decorative colored contact lenses depends on the degree of astigmatism and their ocular condition. Those with mild astigmatism and healthy ocular surfaces may wear custom-made toric cosmetic lenses, while those with high astigmatism or sensitive ocular surfaces are not advised to do so. During daily wear, lenses must be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in disinfecting solution specifically designed for contact lenses—never rinsed with saliva or tap water. Hands should be washed before handling lenses, and lenses should be replaced regularly.
In general, whether individuals with astigmatism can wear cosmetic colored contact lenses depends on the degree of astigmatism and their eye health. Those with mild astigmatism and healthy ocular surfaces may wear custom-made toric cosmetic lenses, while those with high astigmatism or sensitive eyes are advised against wearing them. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If astigmatism is less than 150 degrees and there are no eye issues such as inflammation or dryness, specially designed custom cosmetic lenses for astigmatism may be suitable. These lenses feature stabilization technology that conforms to the corneal shape, preventing lens movement, correcting astigmatism, and reducing visual distortions like double vision. However, only reputable brands should be selected. Before first use, ensure proper eye compatibility, limit daily wear to no more than 8 hours, and minimize eye strain.
If astigmatism exceeds 150 degrees, regular cosmetic lenses provide poor correction and may cause blurred vision, dizziness, and other discomforts. For individuals with sensitive ocular surfaces, conjunctivitis, or dry eye syndrome, wearing cosmetic lenses can accelerate tear evaporation, irritate the eye surface, lead to redness and pain, and even result in infections. Such individuals should prioritize eyeglasses or prescription toric contact lenses instead of decorative cosmetic lenses.
During daily use, cosmetic lenses must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using dedicated contact lens solution—never rinsed with saliva or tap water. Hands should be washed before handling lenses, lenses should be replaced regularly, and they should never be worn overnight.
