Astigmatism Specialist

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a problem with refraction in the eye. When light can't focus properly on your retina, astigmatism symptoms like blurry vision may occur. If you have astigmatism, your eye shape is more oval than round.

Blurry vision is the most obvious symptom of astigmatism, but you might experience other symptoms as well, including:

• Glare
• Poor night vision
• Chronic headaches
• Eye discomfort
• Teary eyes

You may have several or even all of these astigmatism symptoms at once.

What Causes Astigmatism?

There are several possible reasons you may have astigmatism, including:

• Cornea Shape: The most likely reason for your astigmatism is your cornea shape. If your natural cornea shape is more oval than round, you’re more likely to have light refraction issues that may result in astigmatism. Often you inherit your cornea shape from your parents.
• Natural Aging: Some people develop astigmatism as they age. Your lens curvature may shift as you get older, causing astigmatism. Cataracts may follow the astigmatism.
• Eye Disease: With the rare eye disease keratoconus, your corneal shapeshifts into a cone. This causes severe astigmatism and may require advanced treatment like a cornea transplant.

How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

The optometrists at VistaSite Eye Care look for astigmatism during your regular eye exams. These brief tests generally include refraction tests to see how your eyes respond to bright lights.

If you're diagnosed with astigmatism, your optometrist recommends an effective solution immediately.

How is Astigmatism Treated?

There are a number of ways to treat astigmatism. Your VistaSite Eye Care optometrist designs a treatment plan that resolves your astigmatism symptoms in the least invasive way possible. Options they may turn to include:

• Special Lenses: Your optometrist makes special eyeglass or contact lenses that can correct most cases of astigmatism. While these lenses don't look or feel any different, they're actually able to correct your refraction issues.
• LASIK or PRK Surgery: LASIK and PRK are both laser surgeries. During LASIK surgery, a small flap is created on your cornea using a laser to expose the corneal tissue underneath and then reshape it. With PRK surgery, the outermost layer of the cornea is completely removed instead of creating a flap before reshaping the corneal tissue. Both are safe and effective astigmatism solutions, and your optometrist will discuss the best option for you.
• Cornea Transplant: Although it's quite rare, if you have severe astigmatism caused by keratoconus, you may need a cornea transplant to restore normal vision.

To learn more, call or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.