What is a toric contact lens designed for?

A toric contact lens is specifically designed to correct astigmatism, which is a common refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens. Unlike regular spherical lenses that provide uniform power across their surface, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians to address the varying degrees of curvature in the eye associated with astigmatism.

Astigmatism results in blurred or distorted vision at any distance, and standard spherical lenses do not adequately correct this condition. Toric lenses, with their unique design, ensure that vision is corrected both horizontally and vertically, allowing for a clearer, more focused visual experience.

The other answer choices don't relate to the functionality of toric lenses. Perfect vision does not require corrective lenses, color blindness typically involves vision that doesn't require refractive correction, and individuals needing reading glasses usually address presbyopia, which involves different lens types altogether, typically bifocals or multifocal lenses. Thus, the primary purpose of toric contact lenses is indeed to cater to individuals with astigmatism.