If you've been told you have astigmatism, your eye prescription will include a non-zero CYL value. Standard spherical contact lenses won't give you sharp vision — you need toric lenses, which are specifically weighted to correct astigmatism.
This guide covers everything Pakistani astigmatism buyers need to know: how to read your prescription for toric ordering, which brands are available, current prices, and how to verify the right lens for your eyes.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an irregular cornea shape — instead of being perfectly spherical (like a basketball), the cornea is more oval (like a rugby ball). This causes light to focus at multiple points on the retina, creating blurry vision at all distances. Around 30-40% of people have some degree of astigmatism, often combined with myopia (nearsightedness).
You can tell if you have astigmatism by checking your eye prescription card. If you see a CYL value other than zero (like -0.75, -1.25, -2.00), you have astigmatism. Standard contact lenses won't correct it.
How Toric Lenses Work
Toric lenses correct astigmatism in three ways:
- Different powers across the lens. Standard lenses have one power across the whole lens. Toric lenses have different powers in different lens zones to match the irregular cornea.
- Weighted to stay oriented. Toric lenses have a thicker bottom edge (or ballast design) that uses gravity to keep the lens in the correct rotational position on your eye.
- SPH + CYL + AXIS combination. Three values must match your eye for the lens to work — sphere power, cylinder power, and the axis direction.
How to Read Your Astigmatism Prescription
Your eye prescription card from the optometrist will have these values:
| Value | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| SPH (Sphere) | Main power — same as standard prescription | -2.50 |
| CYL (Cylinder) | Astigmatism power — needed for toric lens | -1.25 |
| AXIS | Direction of astigmatism (degrees 1-180) | 180 |
| BC | Base curve (lens fit) | 8.6 |
| DIA | Lens diameter | 14.5 |
Example: -2.50 SPH / -1.25 CYL / AXIS 180 means you need a toric lens with -2.50 sphere power, -1.25 cylinder power, axis 180 degrees.
You need both eyes' prescription separately — left and right eyes often have different SPH, CYL, and AXIS values.
Toric Lenses Available in Pakistan
1. Biomedics Toric (CooperVision) — Most-Prescribed
The most widely prescribed toric lens in Pakistan. Monthly disposable, soft hydrogel material, UV-blocking. Available in full SPH + CYL + AXIS combinations. PKR 5,950 per box.
Coverage:
- SPH range: -0.50 to -8.00
- CYL range: -0.75 to -2.25
- AXIS: full 1-180 degrees in 10-degree steps
Best for the majority of Pakistani astigmatism buyers. WhatsApp +92 321 9455233 with your full prescription to confirm exact combination availability.
2. Acuity Toric (-2.75 Cylinder Power)
Value-tier toric lens specifically for buyers with -2.75 CYL prescription. PKR 3,950 — significantly cheaper than Biomedics Toric but limited to one specific cylinder power.
If your CYL is exactly -2.75 and your SPH is in the supported range, Acuity Toric offers the lowest-cost toric option in Pakistan.
3. Dahab Toric Eyesight (Colored Toric)
The only colored toric lens we carry in stock — Dahab Toric Eyesight is a colored lens with astigmatism correction. For Pakistani buyers wanting colored lenses AND astigmatism correction in one product.
This is unique in our catalog. Most colored brands (Bella, Freshlook, regular Dahab Gold) do not make toric versions — Dahab Toric Eyesight is the rare colored+toric option.
4. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (Special Order)
Acuvue Oasys is available in toric versions internationally but requires special order in Pakistan (7-10 working days). WhatsApp +92 321 9455233 if you need silicone hydrogel toric — we source through authorized J&J distribution.
What CYL Values Are Supported?
Standard toric lenses in Pakistan cover most prescription combinations, but very high CYL values (above -2.25) or specific AXIS angles may require special order:
| CYL Range | Availability |
|---|---|
| -0.75 to -1.25 | Wide availability (Biomedics Toric stocked) |
| -1.50 to -2.25 | Available (Biomedics Toric) |
| -2.50 to -2.75 | Acuity Toric available at -2.75; others special order |
| Above -2.75 | Special order, 7-14 working days |
If your CYL is above -2.25 (less common), WhatsApp your prescription card to confirm availability before ordering — we may need to special-order through authorized brand distribution.
How to Order Toric Lenses
- Get a complete current prescription from your optometrist — all SPH, CYL, AXIS, BC, DIA values
- Photograph the prescription card clearly — all six values visible per eye
- WhatsApp the photo to +92 321 9455233 with the brand you want
- We verify availability — if exact combination not stocked, we suggest closest match or special-order
- Confirm and pay — cash on delivery, bank transfer, or JazzCash
- Same-day dispatch for stocked combinations
- Delivery in 2-3 working days across Pakistan
Toric Lens First-Time Tips
- Expect adjustment. Toric lenses take 1-2 weeks longer to adjust to than spherical lenses because of the weighted design. Vision may shift slightly when you blink as the lens settles.
- Insert with the marker at the bottom. Most toric lenses have a small marker showing correct orientation. Insert with the marker facing 6 o'clock.
- Don't worry about minor rotation. The lens self-orients within a few seconds of insertion. Some movement during blinking is normal.
- Get refitted if vision feels wrong. If after 2 weeks your vision is still blurry, return to your optometrist — the lens may need a different base curve or you may need a different toric brand.
Can I Have Both Astigmatism and Colored Lenses?
Yes, but options are limited. Most colored lens brands (Bella, Freshlook ColorBlends, Dahab Gold, Glimpse) do not make toric versions. The exceptions:
- Dahab Toric Eyesight — colored toric we carry in stock
- Air Optix Colors — limited toric options available internationally
- Special order Solotica Hidrocor Toric — premium Brazilian option, 14-21 day lead time
Most Pakistani buyers with both astigmatism and colored lens desires choose: clear toric lens (Biomedics Toric) for everyday wear, plus single-use colored daily disposables (Bella One Day) for specific events. This avoids special-ordering colored toric and keeps both options affordable.
Where to Browse
See our complete toric lens range, or browse the parent eyesight lens hub for all prescription contact lenses.
For prescription verification (essential for toric orders), WhatsApp your prescription card to +92 321 9455233.