Which type of contact lens is specifically designed for individuals with astigmatism?

Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, a common refractive error resulting from an irregular shape of the cornea or lens. Unlike spherical lenses, which have the same power in all meridians and are effective for myopia or hyperopia, toric lenses feature different prescriptions in different orientations to compensate for the varying curvature of the cornea. This specialized design allows for precise correction of the uneven focus caused by astigmatism.

While rigid gas permeable lenses can also be designed to correct astigmatism, they are not inherently specialized for this purpose in the way toric lenses are. Hybrid lenses may combine features of both soft and rigid lenses, but they are not exclusively designed for astigmatism correction like toric lenses. Therefore, toric lenses are the most direct and effective option for individuals specifically looking to address astigmatism.