Contacts for severe astigmatism?

[don911]

Have an astigmatism in the left eye that from what research I've done is in the severe range. Mine is +2.5, 105. I'm thinking of contacts rather than glasses. Anyone here with a severe astigmatism wearing contacts? Need some advice on soft or hard, brands, etc...

Thanks

[Brando]

I've got a severe astigmatism as well. For about 4 years I wore the solid (gas-permeable) lenses and that helped quite a bit. Now I can use the extended-wear soft contacts and my prescription hasn't changed in almost 3 years.

Talk to an ophthalmologist about your options as mine was -8.5 and -8.75 respectively when I had the solid contacts. Now my prescription is about -8.75 in each eye.

[jyl]

I use biofinity torics and have significant astigmatism. Work fine. I think they have the issue figured out.

[ddbach]

Don -
2.50 diopters of cyl is not too bad, you should be able to be fit into lenses within standard parameters. Rotational stability is more important with greater degrees of astigmatism so your vision stays clear. Teaching used to be that best stable clarity was achieved with gas perm (hard) lenses but the soft lenses have really come a long way.
When you make an appointment be sure to indicate you are interested n contacts for astigmatism so that they schedule you with the correct person. Some eyecare providers don't like dealing with contacts (love/hate relationship) and often have one or two people in a larger group who provide this service for all their patients.
My personal experience has been very good using products from CooperVision (Biofinity, Frequency 55, Proclear) where several of their product lines are available in made to order extended ranges. Acuvue lenses are also working well with many. It may take a trial of several lenses to find the best fit regarding comfort and clarity so don't get discouraged if the very first lens isn't quite where you want it to be.