What Is Astigmatism, and Why Does It Make Your Eyes Work Overtime?
Astigmatism happens when the front surface of your eye isn’t perfectly round. Instead of focusing light evenly, your eye bends light in different directions—which leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It’s extremely common (around 1 in 3 people have it), and it often coexists with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
But if you're hard at work in Arrowhead juggling spreadsheets, school pickups, and late-evening commutes—the effects aren’t just a nuisance. They’re part of daily life.
- Blurred or fuzzy vision, especially in low-light settings
- Eye strain after long periods of reading or screen use
- Headaches that creep in during work hours
- Halos or starbursts around lights when driving at night
Living in Arizona’s dry climate can also compound the problem. If you wear contact lenses, you might notice that your eyes feel drier by the end of the day, or that certain lens types become uncomfortable more quickly. That's why the right solution must balance visual clarity, comfort, and practicality—especially for those with screen-heavy jobs or long commutes.
Glasses vs. Toric Contacts: Which Works Best for Astigmatism?
At our Arrowhead-area clinic, we help patients compare options that make sense for their lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re reaching for a clean new pair of glasses or considering a switch in contact lens brands, our goal is to help you find clarity—literally.
| Option | Benefits | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Updated Glasses | Easy to wear. Great for dry environments. Anti-glare coatings reduce night-driving strain. | May not feel as convenient for sports or fast-paced days. |
| Toric Contacts | Designed specifically for astigmatism. Available in daily disposables to reduce buildup and dryness. | Some patients need multiple fittings to find the perfect lens. May dry out faster in Glendale’s climate. |
If you’ve noticed a shift in your vision—or your current contacts just aren’t cutting it—we’re here to troubleshoot. Our comprehensive astigmatism exams include up-to-date prescriptions and hands-on support for fitting toric lenses, even if you've had trouble with them in the past.
What to Expect from an Astigmatism Exam in Glendale
We tailor every eye exam to fit the demands of our local patients—whether you're updating a prescription for late-night driving or searching for contacts that actually stay comfortable in Arizona air. For astigmatism, that means going beyond the basic chart test.
Here’s what your visit might include:
- A detailed refraction to measure your current prescription
- Corneal topography to map the shape of your eye
- Tear film evaluation if you’ve experienced dryness with lenses
- A fitting session for toric contact lenses, with samples to try
Our team takes time to walk through your options, explain your insurance benefits, and offer realistic expectations for comfort, vision, and cost. We know how important it is to stay in-network and on-budget—especially if you’re juggling work, kids, and a million other to-dos.
Real-Life Relief: How Our Patients Are Solving Their Astigmatism
Many of our patients in the Arrowhead area share similar stories: tired eyes after screen time, trouble with glare during rush hour, and general frustration that their vision just doesn’t feel crisp. After a full exam and a one-on-one fitting, most are surprised by how much better they feel—and how much easier it is to get through the day.
A few quick wins we’ve helped patients achieve:
- Finding daily toric contacts that stay moist and stable—even in 100°F weather
- Prescribing glasses with built-in blue light and anti-reflective coatings to reduce screen fatigue
- Helping patients understand their vision benefits and maximize coverage for contacts or glasses
If you’re like Marissa—working, commuting, parenting, and needing to see clearly in all kinds of light—you deserve a vision plan that matches your pace.
Book Your Astigmatism Exam in Arrowhead
You don’t have to live with glare, fuzziness, or end-of-day eye strain. Whether it’s your first astigmatism diagnosis or you’ve been wearing glasses for years, our Arrowhead eye care team is here to help you see clearly, comfortably, and confidently.
Call us or request an exam online today—appointments are available after work hours and on Saturdays, so you don’t have to rearrange your week just to get your eyes checked.