The real world of toric contact lens wear

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While soft toric fitting trends seem to be catching up with prevalence, industry data suggests that only about one in five (20 per cent) soft contact lens fits in the UK in 2011 was a toric lens fit.2 Worldwide, prescribing trend data suggests a higher rate, with more than 35 per cent of all soft lenses prescribed being soft toric lenses.3 It is possible that practitioners responding to this survey have a higher level of interest in contact lenses and may be more likely to prescribe toric lenses. However, this still falls short of the potential level if all astigmats are fully corrected. This may be in part due to lack of awareness among patients of the availability of contact lenses that correct astigmatism. Ian Cameron, an optometrist who practices in Edinburgh, says: 'Astigmats are often told "you can't wear contacts" - and nothing brings me greater joy when I hear this! Of course they can, and with only a little more effort needed than fitting a spherical patient. They are delighted that there is now a "cure" for them, you look like a hero and they are loyal to you forever more - a win for everyone!'