Astigmatism Diagnosis & Treatment in Squamish
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism happens when the shape of your eye isn’t perfectly round — think more like a football than a basketball. Normally, the cornea or lens is evenly curved, so light entering the eye focuses clearly on the retina. With astigmatism, the surface is irregular, so light bends unevenly and only part of what you’re looking at comes into focus. The result is blurred or distorted vision at any distance — up close, far away, or right in front of you.
Astigmatism is extremely common and can affect anyone, at any age. Many people live with mild astigmatism for years without realizing it, especially when the symptoms are subtle.
Symptoms & Signs of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can show up differently from person to person, but the most common signs include:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Frequent squinting to bring things into focus
- Eye strain or fatigue after reading, screen time, or other close work
- Headaches, especially after visual tasks
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night — glare or halos around lights
Some people have only mild astigmatism symptoms, while more severe astigmatism can noticeably affect day-to-day vision. If any of this sounds like what you’re dealing with, a comprehensive eye exam is the only reliable way to confirm what’s going on.
What Causes Astigmatism
Astigmatism develops when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped rather than smoothly curved. A few common contributing factors:
- An irregularly shaped cornea or lens
- Genetics — astigmatism often runs in families
- Eye injury or previous eye surgery that changes the shape of the cornea
- Keratoconus, a condition where the cornea progressively thins and bulges
It’s a common misconception that habits like reading in dim light or sitting too close to a screen cause astigmatism. Those habits can contribute to temporary eye strain, but they don’t create the underlying refractive error.
How We Diagnose Astigmatism
Astigmatism is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Our optometrists use a combination of tests — a visual acuity test to measure how clearly you see at different distances, keratometry to measure the curvature of your cornea, and corneal topography to map its surface in detail. Together, these confirm whether astigmatism is present and how significant it is, which guides the right correction option for you.
Astigmatism can affect patients of any age, which is why we check for it as part of both our Adult Eye Exams and our Children’s Eye Exams — catching it early makes a real difference, especially for kids.
Astigmatism Correction Options
Glasses
Prescription eyeglasses are the most common way to correct astigmatism. Single-vision lenses compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens, while bifocals or progressives can correct astigmatism alongside presbyopia if you need help with both near and distance vision. Read more about choosing the right glasses for astigmatism.
Toric Contact Lenses
Standard contact lenses aren’t designed for astigmatism, but toric lenses are. They carry different prescription powers across the lens, aligning with the irregular shape of the eye to deliver clear, stable vision. Learn more about wearing contacts with astigmatism.
Refractive Surgery
For some patients, procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea and correct astigmatism more permanently. We’re happy to discuss whether this is a good fit for you, and refer you to a trusted surgical partner if so.
Why Early Detection Matters
Left unaddressed, astigmatism symptoms tend to become more noticeable over time rather than better. In children, untreated astigmatism can also contribute to amblyopia (lazy eye), since the brain may start to favour the eye with clearer vision. If you notice a sudden change in your vision, or symptoms that seem to be getting worse, it’s worth booking an exam sooner rather than later — for both you and your kids.
Astigmatism Care in Squamish
As your Squamish optometrist, we see astigmatism regularly across all ages — from kids struggling to see the board at school to adults noticing more eye strain by the end of a workday. Whether you’re new to the Sea-to-Sky corridor or you’ve been a patient of ours for years, our team can diagnose astigmatism and walk you through the correction option that fits your lifestyle, whether that’s everyday glasses, contacts for the trails, or something else entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both astigmatism and presbyopia?
Yes — many people develop presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing up close) in addition to existing astigmatism. Read more about managing both conditions together.
What’s the difference between astigmatism and myopia?
Astigmatism affects focus at all distances because of the shape of the eye, while myopia (nearsightedness) specifically affects distance vision — and it’s possible to have both at once. See our full comparison of astigmatism vs. myopia.
Which glasses are best for astigmatism?
It depends on your prescription and lifestyle — single-vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses can all correct astigmatism. Our guide to choosing the right glasses for astigmatism breaks down the options.
Can I wear contacts with astigmatism?
Yes — toric contact lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism. Read more about wearing contacts with astigmatism.
Can astigmatism get worse over time?
Mild astigmatism can remain stable for years, but it can also change gradually — especially during childhood or after an eye injury. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch any changes early.
Book Your Eye Exam Today
If you’re dealing with blurry vision, eye strain, or any of the symptoms above, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with Garibaldi Eye Care today and let us help you see clearly again.
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