There’s a (relatively) new kid on the block when it comes to lenses for astigmatism: Frequency 55 Toric contact lenses. According to their maker, CooperVision, these lenses are increasing quickly in popularity due to superior wearing comfort, excellent visual acuity and a convenient monthly replacement schedule. They also offer the flexibility of either daily wear and removal, or alternatively up to seven days of continuous extended wear.
When you have astigmatism, your eye is shaped irregularly and more like an egg shape than a soccer ball. This is a problem because it bends rays of light in ways they shouldn’t, causing them to scatter instead of focusing on your retina. Lack of focus means blurry vision for you. Lenses like Frequency 55 Toric reverse the problem by straddling the cornea and compensating for the loss of focus, returning you to crystal clear eyesight.
Curing your astigmatism is great, but how the lenses feel while worn is also an important consideration. The wetter the contact lens, the better it feels. Frequency 55 Toric lenses are made of methafilcon B, a substance that loves to absorb water and results in a high 55% water content for each lens. Such a high water level helps to keep your eyes trouble-free all day long.
Removal and cleaning of your Frequency 55 Toric lenses are a snap. Each lens is coated with a slightly blue tint. It’s a way of letting you easily see the lenses when you remove, insert, clean, or even drop the lenses. However you cannot in any way see the tint while actually wearing them.
As mentioned before, the lenses may be worn and removed daily or can be left in for up to seven days of continuous wear. However that is considered a best-case scenario, for people who are able to tolerate wearing contact lenses on an extended basis. That may not be you! Only your vision care provider can tell you for sure, as you may have medical issues that prevent you from wearing the lenses that way. Please check with him or her for advice on the best replacement and wearing schedule to suit you.
According to Coopervision, Frequency 55 Toric lenses have become the fastest-growing segment of monthly replacement soft toric contact lenses available today. This is no doubt due to a combination of features ranging from extreme wearing comfort to the low-hassle maintenance schedule. If the convenience and flexibility of daily or extended wear on a monthly replacement schedule appeal to you, consider giving Frequency 55 Toric lenses a try and see for yourself why this brand is becoming a popular choice for astigmatism patients.
