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What is Astigmatism?

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Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens. Normally, the cornea and lens are smooth and curved equally in all directions. This helps to focus light rays sharply onto the retina at the back of your eye. If your cornea or lens isn't smooth and evenly curved, light rays aren't refracted (bent) properly. Doctors call this a refractive error.

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When your cornea has an irregular shape, you have corneal astigmatism.When the shape of your lens is distorted, you have lenticular astigmatism. In either case, your vision for both near and far objects is blurry or distorted. Adults with significant astigmatism may realize their vision isn't as good as it should be. Children with astigmatism symptoms may not be aware they have this condition. They are unlikely to complain about blurred or distorted vision.

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What are the symptoms?

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The symptoms of astigmatism may differ in each person. Some people don’t have any symptoms at all.

 

Astigmatism symptoms may include:

• blurry vision or areas of distorted vision

• eyestrain

• headaches

• squinting to try to see clearly, or

• eye discomfort

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What are the treatment options?

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Usually, you can correct mild to moderate astigmatism with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Glasses or contacts correct astigmatism by compensating for uneven curves in your cornea and lens. Soft lenses called toric contact lenses can correct astigmatism. These lenses may be appropriate for some people. If you have severe astigmatism, rigid contacts or glasses may be a better option. 

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Surgery, including LASIK, may be an option for some people with astigmatism. LASIK is a type of refractive surgery. This kind of surgery uses a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors by changing the shape of your cornea. This improves the way light rays are focused on the retina

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*for more information, visit: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism

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If you are experiencing any symptoms or want to see what treatments are right for you please contact us to make an appointment.