Astigmatism

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism means an irregular cornea or lens shape in your eye. Generally, with astigmatism, your cornea elongates to look similar to a football rather than a basketball (the normal healthy shape). 

Astigmatism interferes with light focusing, which means you can’t focus light rays to one point. Multiple focal points lead to blurry vision at all distances. Astigmatism frequently occurs alongside myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). 

What causes astigmatism?

Genetics often plays a role in astigmatism. Sometimes, astigmatism develops as a result of eye trauma or eye disease as well. 

You can’t “give” yourself astigmatism by reading with poor lighting conditions or sitting too close to the TV screen, as it involves a physical change within your eyes.

What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

With very mild astigmatism, you might not have any obvious symptoms. But, with more pronounced astigmatism, you’re likely to experience issues that include:

• Blurry eyesight
• Certain areas of visual distortion
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Frequent squinting
• Sore-feeling eyes

These symptoms may also occur with other eye conditions, so it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for yourself – or a pediatric eye exam for your child – right away to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

How is astigmatism treated?

At Vision Corner, your provider treats astigmatism case by case, based on your symptoms and how it’s affecting your daily life. In most instances, astigmatism treatment is simple and easy with contact lenses. 

Hard contact lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, aka hard contact lenses, can correct even high astigmatism because the lens doesn’t change shape in your eye. It stays rigid, essentially forcing your eyes to focus light to one point and improving the symptoms of astigmatism.

Hybrid contact lenses

If you find hard contact lenses uncomfortable, hybrid lenses might be a good choice for astigmatism correction. Hybrid lenses include a middle hard portion with an outer ring of soft material like hydrogel. 

Your provider prescribes contact lenses that correct your astigmatism and also your myopia or hyperopia. With the right pair of contact lenses, you can have sharp vision in a matter of minutes. 

 

Learn more about astigmatism treatment by calling Vision Corner or clicking the online appointment maker to arrange your visit. 

We accept many insurance plans. If you don’t see your insurance listed, please call our office.