This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.

Many, if not all, patients do not have a solid understanding of what an astigmatism is. Patients often associate the word with some sort of disease state. Explain to patients that it is simply a different way of focusing images and the uniqueness of their vision. Educate your contact lens patients that having an astigmatism requires them to utilize a specific contact lens design to maximize their visual outcome.

Way too many astigmatic patients continue to receive spherical equivalent lenses to mask their cylinder. This practice will often lead to headaches and eye fatigue. Fortunately, new daily disposable contact lens technology offers an opportunity for growth in this category for many reasons.

1. Due to the stability of newly designed daily disposable toric designs, there is no reason to mask someone’s astigmatism anymore.  Masking cylinder with spherical contact lenses does not allow the best visual outcome. If there is any doubt with your patient, demo their cylinder in the phoropter and ask which visual outcome they prefer to have in their contact lenses (Figure 1). Explain that these unique contact lenses have variable powers that have to be perfectly lined up to provide the best vision possible.

 2. Comfort, stability, and parameter options.  With many patients spending their workdays in front of a computer, dry eyes and digital eye fatigue are growing concerns. Many new daily disposable toric options from every manufacturer offer expanded parameters for a wide variety of prescriptions, enhanced on-eye stability, and embedded moisture agents that all add up to improved end-of-day comfort. Make the offer and maximize these opportunities.

There is significant value to patients and to practices in correcting your astigmatic patients with daily disposable contact lenses. Improved daily disposable toric contact lens designs allow your office to provide a differentiated product. Give your patients the best option to see their best.