Do I really need toric lenses?

Question

I've just been given a new script for toric lenses.e.g. left eye

-1.25 -0.75 x080

I find toric lenses not as comfortable as spherical lenses.

Would I be fine just ordering non toric lenses (e.g. -1.25)?

I don't think my astigmatism is that bad.

Not from the U.S so don't need script to purchase online.

Answer 1

Some people would notice the drop in vision that that missing 0.75 DC would give, (especially vertically, as yours is: horizontal cylinders [minus notation] tend to be slightly less troublesome)

But yes, some people would would either not notice the missing cyl, practically, or find the thinner spherical lens (and lower price)  a better compromise, even if the vision was slightly off.

You might find a -1.50 D a better overall lens power.

The "equivalent sphere",  although it's only an rule of thumb useful for certain purposes, is obtained by adding *half* the cylinder power to the sphere.

But this really is something that should have been settled with your prescriber, using trial lenses, before the issuing of a final Rx.

Answer 2

I have an astigmatism (similar to yours). I recently got my eyes tested for some different contact lenses (as I have been wearing night & day lenses for a few years) & the opticians said that the toric lens would not make a lot of difference to my astigmatism.

I am wearing ciba vision daily lenses, which are working great for me.

It would be best to speak to you optician to find out what is suitable for you.