Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye. If the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, the light that enters the eye isn’t refracted properly, resulting in distorted vision. If the imperfection lies with the cornea, it is called corneal astigmatism. If it’s the lens that is distorted, it’s called lenticular astigmatism.

Astigmatism FAQs

What are symptoms of astigmatism?

People with astigmatism often have blurry vision, both up close and far away. Objects may look stretched, wavy, or uneven – similar to looking into a funhouse mirror. Astigmatism can happen along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Other symptoms may include double vision, eye strain, tired eyes, headaches, and fatigue. Some studies suggest that astigmatism may also be linked to migraines in certain people.

What causes astigmatism?

The cause of astigmatism is unclear, but it is believed to be linked to genetics. Although doctors don’t know why corneal shape differs from one person to another, they do agree that the likelihood of having astigmatism is inherited. It’s a very common condition, affecting approximately one in three people worldwide.

Although usually present from birth, astigmatism can develop after an eye injury or eye surgery.

How is astigmatism diagnosed & treated?

An eye exam with the doctors at EyeCare Optical can determine if you have any astigmatism and the proper prescription for glasses or contacts.

Astigmatism is generally treated in one of three ways – glasses, contacts or surgery.

Eyeglasses for this condition contain a special cylindrical lens prescription that compensates for the astigmatism, providing additional power in specific parts of the lenses. Typically, single-vision lenses are prescribed for clear vision at all distances, but patients over 40 with presbyopia may require bifocals or progressive lenses.

Some patients may achieve better results with contacts, but not usually the standard soft contact lenses. Rigid gas-permeable contacts may be needed to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea.

Though most people choose to correct their vision with glasses or contacts, astigmatism can also be corrected by reshaping the cornea through refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK. Through LASIK, a small flap is created in the cornea and some tissue is reduced, while PRK involves reduction of the outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium.