This month a patient asked: “What is Astigmatism?”
Dr. Patel answered:
Astigmatism is type of refractive error that commonly occurs in patients of all ages, genders, lifestyles and health conditions. With astigmatism, the eye does not focus light evenly onto the retina, which is the tissue at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light.
How Does Astigmatism Occur?
Astigmatism occurs when light is bent in different ways depending on where it enters the cornea and passes through the eye. In a normal eye, the cornea is curved in a shape similar to a basketball, keeping the same roundness in all areas. When you have an eye with astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like a football, where some parts are more rounded or steeper. This football shape can be the cause of vision to appear blurry and stretched out.
Signs and Symptoms of Astigmatism
Signs and symptoms of astigmatism may include:
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Squinting
- Distorted or blurred vision at all distances
- Difficulty driving at night
If you wear glasses or contact lenses and still have these issues, a new prescription may be needed to help correct your vision.
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Astigmatisms are usually found during a comprehensive eye exam. It’s important to be aware of any changes or issues with your vision. If you notice a change in your vision, contact us for an eye examination.
How is Astigmatism Corrected?
Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct astigmatism. Contact Lenses work by becoming the first refractive surface for light rays entering the eye, causing a more precise refraction, or focus.
Refractive Surgery aims to change the shape of the cornea permanently. This change in eye shape restores the focusing power of the eye by allowing the light rays to focus precisely on the retina for improved vision, thus treating astigmatism.
