About 2/3 of nearsighted people in the United States also have astigmatism, a condition characterized by blurry vision. The cause of this blurry vision? Abnormally shaped eyes. Most often, deformity of the cornea (clear cover of the eye) results in astigmatism, although sometimes irregular curvatures of the inner eye can be to blame, too.

Despite how common astigmatism is, though, many people don’t understand this condition much or how to manage it. This misunderstanding leads to plenty of people wondering if they can wear normal contacts or even if there are specialty colored contacts for astigmatism.

Can I Wear Contacts if I Have Astigmatism?

According to the American Optometric Association, yes, it is usually safe for people with astigmatism to wear vision-correcting contact lenses. That being said, people with astigmatism still need to discuss this option first with an optometrist.

Can I Get Colored Contacts if I Have Astigmatism?

The popularity of colored contacts has exploded in recent years, and it’s easy to see why: they’re lots of fun! In the past, people with astigmatism couldn’t really wear these kinds of contact lenses. Today, though, there are some options available for those with this condition. It’s important to note that these specialty options will generally be more limited and expensive than colored lenses for normal eyes.

There are definitely a few important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for colored contacts for astigmatism, including:

1. Always consult an optometrist first, as these lenses may not be the best fit for everyone.
2. Receive a prescription from an optometrist.
3. Only choose lenses from an FDA-approved brand.
4. You will likely need customized lenses, as ill-fitting ones can cause side effects ranging from pink eye to blindness.
5. Strictly follow proper cleaning and hygiene procedures from both your optometrist and the contacts’ manufacturer.
6. Properly store the lenses.

What are the Best Colored Contacts for Astigmatism?

There is no single “best” brand of colored contacts; just the one that fits your style and budget (and is approved by the FDA, of course). Popular FDA-approved brands that offer colored contacts for astigmatism include:

• Acuvue
• Air Optix
• Clalen
• FreshLook

(Note that this is not a complete list.)

Final Thoughts

Astigmatism can be annoying, but there are fortunately plenty of solutions to correct this condition. Add colored contacts to that list. While these lenses may be a little pricier than those for normal eyes, people with astigmatism can still join in on the colored contact fun.