— Astigmatism Care
Astigmatism Treatment in Fort Collins
Astigmatism treatment starts with an eye exam to measure how your eyes focus light. Depending on your prescription, symptoms and preferences, your optometrist may recommend glasses or contact lenses. Some adults may also want to discuss refractive surgery with a qualified ophthalmic surgeon. The goal is a personalized plan aimed at clearer, more comfortable vision for daily life.
Key Takeaways
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, or the lens inside the eye has a shape that changes how light focuses. This refractive error can cause blurry or distorted vision. Common symptoms include squinting, headaches, eye strain and difficulty seeing at night. An eye exam can determine whether astigmatism is contributing to your symptoms and whether correction may help. (National Eye Institute)
You might notice that street signs lack sharp edges, small print takes extra effort or your eyes feel tired after close work. Those experiences can have more than one cause, so a prescription should come from an exam instead of a self-test.
How an Eye Exam Measures Astigmatism
An astigmatism evaluation is part of a broader look at your vision and eye health. Tests may include visual acuity, which checks what you can see at set distances, and refraction, which identifies the lens power that provides clearer vision. Depending on your needs, an eye doctor may also measure corneal curvature or use corneal topography to map its shape. (American Optometric Association)
At Poudre Valley Eyecare, our comprehensive eye exams include visual acuity and refraction. Your eye doctor can explain the findings, answer questions about your prescription and recommend an approach based on how you use your vision.
Glasses for Astigmatism
Glasses are a common, straightforward way to correct astigmatism. The prescription can include cylindrical lens power that compensates for the eye’s focusing shape. (American Optometric Association) Your optometrist will determine the prescription rather than asking you to choose a lens strength on your own.
Poudre Valley Eyecare performs the exam and provides your prescription. Eyemart Express next door provides frames and lenses. You can learn more about this arrangement on our Fort Collins eyeglasses page.
Eye exercises do not correct a refractive error or remove the need for prescribed lenses. Some prescribed eye exercises have other purposes, but they are not a substitute for astigmatism correction. (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Many people with astigmatism can wear contact lenses. Soft toric lenses and rigid gas-permeable lenses are two options used to correct astigmatism. (American Optometric Association) The right choice depends on your prescription, eye surface, comfort and daily needs.
A contact lens prescription requires more than the numbers on a glasses prescription. At Poudre Valley Eyecare, a contact lens fitting begins with a comprehensive exam and can include discussion of tears or dryness, corneal measurements, trial lenses and follow-up evaluation. We also want to know what you value most, whether that is comfort during a workday, simple care or flexibility between contacts and glasses.
If you have tried contacts before and had trouble with comfort or vision, share what happened. That history can help guide the fitting conversation. A new evaluation does not guarantee that every lens design will work for every eye, but it can clarify the options that fit your current prescription and eye health.
When Refractive Surgery Enters the Conversation
Procedures such as LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to change how the eye focuses light. (American Optometric Association) They may be options for some adults with astigmatism. An ophthalmic surgeon evaluates whether a procedure is appropriate, and Poudre Valley Eyecare offers surgery co-management as part of its eye care services.
LASIK candidacy can depend on factors such as prescription stability, corneal thickness, dry eye and overall eye health. Not everyone qualifies. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) A surgical consultation should also cover possible risks, including dry eye, glare or halos, and undercorrection or overcorrection. Some people still need glasses or contact lenses after surgery, so spectacle-free vision cannot be guaranteed. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
If surgery interests you, start by asking questions. Your eye doctor can discuss your current prescription and eye health, and a surgeon can explain candidacy, alternatives, expected recovery and procedure-specific risks.
Astigmatism in Children
Children do not always realize that their vision is blurry, especially if it has always looked that way to them. Significant refractive error that is not corrected can affect visual development and contribute to amblyopia, often called lazy eye. A complete eye exam establishes whether correction is needed. (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
Parents might hear about a possible vision concern after a screening, or they may notice squinting and difficulty seeing details. Our pediatric eye care page explains the services available for children in Fort Collins.
Screen Comfort and Astigmatism Correction
Every
20
minutes
Look about
20
feet
For
20
seconds
Computer and phone use can contribute to eye strain, and an uncorrected refractive error may add to the discomfort. For screen breaks, the American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 approach: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Reducing glare, blinking and taking breaks may also improve comfort. These habits do not correct astigmatism or replace prescribed lenses. (American Optometric Association)
If screen-related discomfort continues, mention it during your exam. Your optometrist can check whether your prescription or another eye concern may be contributing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Mild astigmatism may not need treatment if it is not affecting your vision or comfort. An eye exam can measure the refractive error and help you decide whether correction is useful. (National Eye Institute)
— Since 1991
Schedule an Eye Exam in Fort Collins
Poudre Valley Eyecare has served Fort Collins since 1991. We provide comprehensive exams, contact lens fittings and personalized care for patients with astigmatism and other vision needs. Our Focus is You.
To ask a question or request an appointment, visit our contact page or call (970) 493-6360. Our office is at 1820 South College Avenue, Suite B, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
Individual results may vary. Please schedule a comprehensive eye exam for personalized recommendations.