Do you need a special contact lens for astigmatism?!

Do you need a special contact lens for astigmatism?

I wear contacts, and the doctor prescribed me the same power for both eyes, -6.5. No different brand, no different type - just the same power. Now, my right eye has always been worse than my left, but I didn't think it had astigmatism. When this other doctor (I've never gone to her before, and won't again - she was very quick and didn't want to answer questions) gave me my written prescription, she never even told me I had astigmatism, so I never knew till I called back and asked.

My right eye has been getting worse recently - things are pretty blurry when I close my left eye - and I thought I'd better check this up. It isn't the lens' fault, I had them replaced a while ago. But I can't read a sign w/ the right eye at 50 ft away. So do I need a different type lens? (Right now I'm wearing the Z6 brand that lasts a year.)

Thanks!

Your presciption should have been changed at least for your right eye. If you can't read a sign 50 feet away then there's still a lot of room for improvement. If the doctor gave you only -6.50 and you have a significant amount of astigmatism, this will definitely cause a compromise of vision. This usually is more significant for people who are very near sighted like you. You should go to another doctor who will do a proper and unhurried refraction. ( quote that exactly to your doctor ) Tell him that the previous one did not give an accurate one. That will put him or her on her toes.

The kind of contact lens for astigmatism is called toric contact lens. It will have to be a combination for you astigmatism and your near sightedness. It will have to be fit well because otherwise it will be moving around while you wear it. There are some trial lenses that you can ask for so you can gauge the comfort.

Hope you get a good doctor next time.