Have You Been Told You Can’t Wear Contacts Because of Your Astigmatism?
We hear this a lot at our Seattle optometry clinic — and most of the time, it’s simply not true anymore.
Years ago, patients with astigmatism didn’t have many lens options, and contact lenses were harder to fit. People often ended up with blurry or unstable vision and gave up before finding a good solution. But contact lens technology has advanced dramatically. If you were told “no” in the past, the answer today might be a confident “yes.”
✨ Key Takeaway
Astigmatism isn’t a barrier to contact lens wear anymore. With today’s advanced lens designs and a proper fitting from experienced Seattle optometrists, most patients can enjoy clear, comfortable vision in contacts.
If you’ve heard “no” before, come see us — because the answer today might just be “yes.”
What Exactly Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism just means the front surface of your eye (the cornea) isn’t perfectly round.
Think of it like this: instead of being shaped like a basketball, it’s shaped more like a football — curved a little more in one direction. This shape makes light focus unevenly, which can cause blurry or distorted vision.
Here’s the good news: astigmatism is extremely common. Many people who wear glasses have some degree of it. It’s not harmful, and it doesn’t mean you have “bad eyes.”
In the past, astigmatism made wearing contacts challenging because standard lenses would rotate on the eye. When the lens moved, the prescription shifted — causing blur. Thankfully, today’s lenses are specifically designed to fix this problem.
Modern Contact Lenses for Astigmatism in Seattle
Here in Seattle, our eye doctors fit patients with a variety of modern toric contact lenses, which are designed specifically to correct astigmatism.
Unlike standard spherical lenses, toric lenses have stabilizing features that help them stay oriented correctly on your eye. This keeps your vision crisp and stable all day long — even if you’re biking to work in the rain, playing tennis at Green Lake, or just reading your favorite book at a coffee shop.
Depending on your eyes, your lifestyle, and your prescription, we may recommend:
Soft toric lenses
Excellent for mild to moderate astigmatism
Custom soft toric designs
For more precise fits and sharper vision
Hybrid lenses
Rigid center for clarity with a soft outer skirt for comfort
Scleral lenses
Larger lenses ideal for complex or irregular corneas
The bottom line? There are many contact lens options for astigmatism available today. And with a proper fitting, most patients can enjoy clear, comfortable vision in contacts.
Why Expert Contact Lens Fitting Matters
Fitting contacts for astigmatism is a bit more nuanced than a standard fitting. Small details — like how a lens rotates, how it interacts with your eyelids when you blink, and how your tears move under the lens — can make a big difference in clarity and comfort.
That’s where experienced Seattle optometrists come in.
At our clinic, we carefully evaluate:
- The shape and curvature of your cornea
- Your tear film and eye surface health
- Your prescription strength and visual goals
- How a trial lens actually behaves on your eye
“The lens might be doing its job, but if it’s rotated just a few degrees off, your vision won’t be sharp. That’s where our expertise really matters.”
This attention to detail is what sets professional Seattle contact lens fittings apart from online retailers or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Most people with astigmatism can wear contact lenses successfully.
Sometimes, it takes trying a couple of lens designs or fine-tuning the fit to get it just right — and that’s normal. Every set of eyes is unique.
With today’s wide range of lens technologies, very few patients are truly “not candidates” anymore. The key is finding the right lens and the right fit for your eyes.
Ready to Try Contact Lenses for Astigmatism in Seattle?
If you’ve been told you can’t wear contact lenses because of your astigmatism, it might be time for a second opinion.
Our Seattle eye doctors specialize in fitting toric and specialty contact lenses for patients of all ages and prescriptions. We love helping people who thought contacts weren’t an option finally see clearly without glasses.
👉 Schedule a contact lens consultation at Cannon EyeCare — we’ll take a close look at your eyes, talk through your vision goals, and help you find the lens that’s right for you.
