Astigmatism is a refractive error; it’s medical speak for “your eye doesn’t bend light the way it should.” It happens when parts of the eye are football-shaped rather than nicely curved like a basketball.
Our team at Marano Eye Care, a division of Ophthalmology New Jersey, is well-versed in diagnosing and treating astigmatism, which may or may not require treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about astigmatism and when we recommend treatment.
Astigmatism basics
There are two types of astigmatism: corneal (affecting the cornea) and lenticular (affecting the lens).
Typically, the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) or lens (the part inside your eye that helps focus) is curved like a basketball. When you have astigmatism, the lens or cornea is shaped more like a football or an egg.
This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the light-sensitive tissue (retina) at the back of your eye, which helps you see clearly.
Astigmatism can coexist with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), increasing problems with blurred or distorted vision up close and far away.
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually something you're born with, but can also develop later in life. It might be caused by:
Symptoms can vary, but many people are aware of a problem because of blurry vision. Astigmatism may interfere with routine tasks like reading words on a chalkboard or seeing clearly at night.
However, young children may not recognize a problem since they likely believe everyone sees the world the way they do. This makes childhood eye exams essential. Other symptoms of astigmatism include squinting, headaches, and eye discomfort/fatigue.
Treating astigmatism
Astigmatism is easily detectable on a comprehensive exam and may be mild enough that you don’t need treatment. However, routine eye exams are essential in protecting your vision, because astigmatism can worsen over time.
If you do need treatment to see clearly, there are plenty of ways to correct astigmatism:
Glasses
Glasses are the simplest and most common option for treating astigmatism. Special lenses help refocus light onto the retina, giving you clearer vision.
Contact lenses
Soft toric lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism. Some people may also benefit from rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, which provide sharper vision for more severe cases.
Laser eye surgery
Procedures like LASIK or PRK can permanently reshape the cornea, correcting the irregular curve that causes astigmatism.
At Marano Eye Care, we base our recommendations on your exam results, the severity of the curvature, and its effects on your vision. You can expect a detailed discussion of the benefits vs the risks of glasses, contacts, or surgery.
Schedule a comprehensive exam at Marano Eye Care today for more information about our outstanding services, including correcting astigmatism and other refractive errors.
