Best Bi-Weekly Contacts for Astigmatism
If you have astigmatism, you've probably realized that finding contact lenses can feel a little more complicated than it does for everyone else.
Maybe your contacts feel great for a few hours, and then suddenly your vision starts getting blurry. Maybe one lens always seems to move around more than the other. Or maybe you've tried multiple brands and still haven't found a lens that feels quite right.
The good news is that today's toric contact lenses are better than ever. Modern lens designs are built to stay stable on the eye, provide clear vision, and remain comfortable throughout the day.
That said, there isn't one "best" contact lens for astigmatism.
The best lens for your friend, spouse, or coworker may not be the best lens for you. Every person's eyes are different, which is why your eye doctor ultimately determines which contact lenses are the best fit for your prescription, eye shape, and lifestyle.
One thing that surprises many people is that there actually aren't very many bi-weekly contact lenses for astigmatism available.
Unlike daily disposable or monthly contact lenses, there are currently only two major bi-weekly toric contact lenses widely available in the United States.
Fortunately, both have built an excellent reputation among eye doctors and contact lens wearers.
Before we look at each one, let's talk about what actually makes a contact lens good for astigmatism.
What Makes a Contact Lens Good for Astigmatism?
Unlike standard contact lenses, astigmatism lenses use a special toric design.
Toric lenses are designed to stay in a specific position on your eye. If the lens rotates too much, your vision can become blurry because the correcting power is no longer aligned properly.
When eye doctors fit contact lenses for astigmatism, they're not just looking for a lens that corrects your prescription. They're also looking for one that stays stable throughout the day, feels comfortable, and provides consistent vision while you're working, driving, reading, exercising, or using a computer.
Some of the biggest factors include:
- Lens stability
- Moisture retention
- Oxygen breathability
- Comfort throughout the day
- Consistent vision
- Ease of handling
Because every person's eyes are different, the lens that works best for someone else may not be the best choice for you.
Why Choose Bi-Weekly Contact Lenses?
Bi-weekly contact lenses offer a nice balance between daily and monthly lenses.
Instead of throwing away your contacts every night like daily disposables, you wear each pair for up to two weeks before replacing them with a fresh set.
Many people like bi-weekly lenses because they're often more affordable than daily disposables while still being replaced more frequently than monthly lenses, which can help reduce deposit buildup.
Most modern bi-weekly lenses are also made from breathable silicone hydrogel materials that allow plenty of oxygen to reach your eyes throughout the day.
The Best Bi-Weekly Contacts for Astigmatism
1. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is probably the best-known bi-weekly toric contact lens on the market.
It uses Johnson & Johnson's Blink Stabilized Design, which helps keep the lens properly positioned on your eye throughout the day. Since toric lenses need to maintain their orientation to provide clear vision, this added stability is one of the reasons the lens has remained so popular for years.
The lens is also made with HYDRACLEAR® Plus Technology, which helps keep the lens feeling smooth and comfortable throughout the day. Many wearers report crisp, stable vision even during long workdays or extended hours in front of a computer.
Another advantage is its excellent oxygen transmissibility, which helps more oxygen reach your eyes and contributes to overall comfort.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is generally considered a premium two-week contact lens, so it typically costs more than some other reusable options. However, many wearers feel the comfort and stability are worth the added cost.
At Blue Planet Optics, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism starts at $72.95, and when you buy three boxes, you'll automatically receive 40% off a fourth box.
2. Avaira Vitality Toric
Avaira Vitality Toric is the other major bi-weekly contact lens for astigmatism available in the United States.
Made by CooperVision, it combines a breathable silicone hydrogel material with a higher water content to help keep lenses comfortable throughout the day.
Many wearers appreciate that Avaira Vitality Toric delivers reliable vision correction while typically costing a little less than some premium toric lenses.
The lens also includes built-in UV protection and is available in a wide range of prescriptions, making it a good fit for many people with astigmatism.
For people looking for a comfortable, breathable two-week lens without paying top-tier prices, Avaira Vitality Toric is often an excellent choice.
At Blue Planet Optics, Avaira Vitality Toric starts at $73.75, and buying three boxes automatically gets you 40% off a fourth box.
Which Bi-Weekly Lens Is Better?
Both lenses are excellent choices, but they appeal to slightly different wearers.
If you're looking for one of the most established premium toric lenses available, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is often the first recommendation. It's especially well known for its lens stability, oxygen breathability, and consistent vision.
If you're looking for a more affordable bi-weekly option that still offers silicone hydrogel comfort and dependable performance, Avaira Vitality Toric is an excellent alternative.
Ultimately, the best contact lens is the one your eye doctor determines fits your eyes best.
FAQ
How many bi-weekly contact lenses are available for astigmatism?
Surprisingly, there are only two major bi-weekly soft contact lenses for astigmatism widely available in the United States: Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Avaira Vitality Toric.
Which bi-weekly contact lens is best for astigmatism?
There isn't one answer for everyone. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is often chosen for its premium comfort and lens stability, while Avaira Vitality Toric is a popular option for people looking for a comfortable two-week lens at a lower price point.
Are bi-weekly contacts better than monthly contacts?
Not necessarily. Both can provide excellent vision and comfort. Bi-weekly lenses are replaced more frequently, which some people prefer because it can reduce deposit buildup, while monthly lenses require fewer replacements over time.
Can I sleep in bi-weekly contact lenses?
Some bi-weekly lenses, such as Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism, are FDA-approved for extended wear for eligible patients. However, you should only sleep in contact lenses if your eye doctor specifically recommends it, as overnight wear increases the risk of eye infections.
How often should I replace bi-weekly contact lenses?
Bi-weekly contact lenses are designed to be replaced every two weeks with nightly removal and cleaning.