If you have astigmatism and you think you can't wear contacts, you're mistaken. Contact lenses can actually be a way to correct the condition. The cornea is generally spherical, but the cornea of someone with astigmatism is more oval-shaped, almost like a football. This alters the way light hits the retina, and as a result, vision is unclear.
Toric contact lenses can correct astigmatism. What separates these from regular contact lenses is the design. Regular lenses have one power, but toric lenses have two: one for distance vision and one for astigmatism. They have curvatures at various angles. Compared with regular lenses, which can easily shift and have no effect on your vision, toric lenses need to stay in place. Contact lenses for astigmatism are therefore ballasted on the bottom, and this helps them stay in place on your eye.
There are multiple scheduling options for toric contact lens wearers, including soft disposable contact lenses, daily disposable lenses, and frequent replacement lenses. Toric lenses are also available as color contact lenses, and as multifocal lenses. Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP, or hard contact lenses) are made from a tougher substance that remains in shape even when you blink, and might give sharper vision than other lenses. But the downside is that they are often not as comfortable. Rest assured, there's a contact lens which is just right for you.
When it's time for your toric lens fitting, it's going to take some time, due to the complexity of the product. This all might sound a little daunting, but it's well worth the end result; effective treatment. Being fitted with the best product for you will only improve your vision, and thus your quality of life.