Astigmatism? Sounds more complicated than it is
Almost every eye has a slightly irregular shape, which is completely normal. Use our interactive self-test to find out in 60 seconds whether you could benefit from contact lenses for astigmatism or if your current lenses need an update.
Astigmatism: a completely normal thing (usually)
Almost everyone who needs vision correction also has astigmatism. Often the value is so low that it doesn't matter for contact lenses. From a strength of CYL -0.75 dpt, contact lenses that correct astigmatism often offer more comfortable and sharper vision.
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Check your glasses prescription
If you have your glasses prescription handy, look for the "CYL" (cylinder) value. With a value of -0.75 or stronger, you will usually benefit from lenses that compensate for astigmatism (for example, the right eye in the image). Nowadays, these are standard daily and monthly lenses, just like the ones you're used to.
What exactly does astigmatism mean?
With astigmatism, the surface of the eye (cornea) is not 100% perfectly round. This is completely normal and affects practically everyone to varying degrees. For your contact lenses, astigmatism only becomes relevant above a certain strength. Studies by manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson show that nearly half of all people with impaired vision have such a relevant curvature. Nevertheless, a large proportion still wear conventional lenses, unknowingly missing out on optimal visual comfort. Professionally, two types are distinguished. Regular astigmatism is the absolute standard case. The surface of the cornea is symmetrically shaped and can nowadays be ideally corrected with daily or monthly lenses. Rare irregular astigmatism usually results from eye diseases, injuries, or surgeries. Here, the surface is uneven, which requires individually customized specialty lenses.
How do I notice in everyday life that my current lenses might not be optimal?
You usually notice a missing or incorrect correction of astigmatism in situations that demand a lot from your eyes. Many people notice in direct comparison that their vision with their usual glasses is noticeably calmer and clearer than with their current contact lenses. Another typical symptom is altered vision in low light conditions, when streetlights or car headlights cast subtle rays of light at night. It is also noticeble when reading, if letters appear blurry or seem to cast slight shadows.
What do the values "CYL" and "AXIS" on my prescription mean?
In addition to your regular strength, your prescription shows two crucial values for astigmatism. The "CYL" value stands for cylinder and indicates the strength of the curvature. If there is a number from -0.75 diopters onward, a suitable correction brings clear advantages: You see fine details and contrasts more sharply, and your eyes tire somewhat more slowly. The second value, "AXIS", is expressed as a degree between 0° and 180° and indicates the direction of the curvature on your eye, allowing the lens to compensate in the exact right spot.
Which contact lenses are ideal for astigmatism?
For astigmatism, toric contact lenses are the ideal choice. These are specially shaped lenses that have different focal powers in different areas to precisely compensate for the irregular curvature of your cornea. Today, they are available as standard daily or monthly lenses across all quality levels. There is nothing unusual about them anymore. For a toric lens to work perfectly, it must sit in a precise position on the eye and not rotate when you blink. Modern lenses use sophisticated stabilization designs for this: through subtle differences in weight or shape, the lens automatically aligns itself to the correct axis with every blink and stays securely in place without you even noticing.
Do I need to visit an optician for toric contact lenses?
Yes, a professional fitting with a specialist is crucial for toric contact lenses. The values on your glasses prescription cannot be transferred one-to-one to contact lenses because the lens rests directly on your eye. In addition to the exact values for cylinder and axis, the optician also checks the precise fit of the lens. They ensure that the lens remains well-hydrated and doesn't rotate when you blink. Only when this fitting is exact will you enjoy consistently sharp vision and high wearing comfort in everyday life. Our experts are happy to help you find the perfect lens for your eyes. After the fitting, you can conveniently order your lenses online from us again.
Try out new contact lenses with your LensVision optician
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Article written by
Last updated: 07.08.2026
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Daniela Tobergte
BSc. Optomety & Contact Lens Specialist