Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that is corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Astigmatism is characterized by unequal curvatures of the cornea. Astigmatism results in blurry vision and can occur in both nearsighted and farsighted persons, or it can be found alone.

A person’s cornea is spherical in shape and when light enters the eye, the cornea refracts or bends light creating a clear image of the object. However, the eye of a person with astigmatism is shaped more like a football or the back of a spoon. For this person, when light enters the eye it is refracted more by one curve than the other, resulting in a blurry image.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Astigmatism can be hereditary and is often present at birth but can change with age and growth.

What are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?

People with undetected astigmatism often experience headaches, fatigue, eyestrain, and blurred vision at all distances. While these symptoms may not necessarily be the result of astigmatism, you should schedule an eye exam if you are experiencing one or more symptoms.

How are Astigmatisms Diagnosed?

Your optometrist can diagnose astigmatism with a thorough eye exam. Astigmatism may occur with other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Unfortunately, astigmatism often goes undetected in school-age children, and is another reason children should have regular eye examination from an eyecare professional.

How are Astigmatisms Treated?

Almost all degrees of astigmatism can be corrected with properly prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses.

• Corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses): For astigmatism, special corrective lenses called toric lenses are prescribed. Toric lenses have greater light-bending power in one direction than the other. After performing various tests, your eye doctor will determine the ideal toric lens prescription for your astigmatism.
• Refractive surgery: Another method for correcting astigmatism is by changing the shape of the cornea through refractive or laser eye surgery. While there is more than one type of refractive surgery, specific treatments are recommended on an individual basis.