Extending the astigmatic range

Until recently, the limited availability of toric daily disposable contact lenses has meant under- recommending and compromise in fitting patients, with spherical contact lenses often supplied where a toric one would be more appropriate. A new arrival, Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric contact lenses fits neatly into this gap, providing a timely and relevant option for astigmats wanting daily disposable contact lenses.

Potential for torics

Uncorrected astigmatism causes asthenopic symptoms1 and reduces productivity, measured through the ability to carry out visual tasks.2 Important nowadays, it also increases visual discomfort when working with video display terminals.3 Toric contact lenses correcting 0.75D and 1.00D astigmats have been shown to give better high and low contrast visual acuities and Snellen visual acuity6,7 than spherical corrections. The effect is accentuated with increasing pupil size.4,6,7 Nine out of 10 potential wearers are prepared to trial toric contact lenses on the recommendation of their eye care professional (ECP).8 Visual correction of astigmatism should therefore be as important in contact lens fitting as it is in the supply of spectacles. The prevalence of spectacle wearers with astigmatism of 0.75D or greater in at least one eye was found to be 47.4 per cent, and in both eyes 24.1 per cent.8 Based on this, it is estimated that about one third of potential contact lens wearers require astigmatic correction.8