A toric contact lens is specifically used to correct which refractive error?

A toric contact lens is specifically designed to correct astigmatism, a common refractive error where the eyeball is not perfectly spherical. This irregular shape causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances because light rays entering the eye do not focus evenly on the retina. Unlike spherical lenses that have the same power in all directions, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians to accommodate the varying curvature of the cornea or lens.

In cases of astigmatism, the toric design allows precise correction by having distinct areas of power—one for the vertical meridian and another for the horizontal meridian—ensuring that light focuses properly. This unique shape enables patients with astigmatism to see clearly, distinguishing it from other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and presbyopia (age-related difficulty in focusing on near objects), which are addressed using different types of lenses.