You have probably heard of astigmatism before, but you may not know exactly what it is. Astigmatism is a common eye condition that we treat at Eye-Site of Boynton Beach. Read on to learn more about what astigmatism is and ways our eye doctors can help.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs because your eye's cornea is curved more in one direction than the other. Like a football, one meridian of the eye is steeper than the other. When your eye is shaped irregularly, it causes light to enter at different angles which can lead to blurry vision. This condition is called astigmatism. Astigmatism often occurs with other eye conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).
Why Astigmatism Occurs
There are a few different reasons why astigmatism may develop. Most often, it's simply due to the shape of your eye. In some cases, though, astigmatism can be caused by an injury to your eye or by certain diseases or conditions. If you have astigmatism, you may notice that your vision is blurry at both near and far distances. You may also experience eyestrain, headaches, or squinting.
Diagnosing Astigmatism
Astigmatism is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. During this eye exam, the optometrist will use a special instrument called a phoropter to determine which type of lens will correct your vision most effectively. In some cases, special testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treating Astigmatism
Once astigmatism has been diagnosed, it can be treated with glasses or contact lenses. Depending on how compromised your eyesight is, you may only need to wear glasses during specific activities like driving or reading. Astigmatism may also be correct with specialty contact lenses, known as “toric” contact lenses.
Our Team at Eye-Site of Boynton Beach Is Here to Help
If you think you might have astigmatism, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with an optometrist. With today's advanced treatments and technologies, most people with astigmatism can achieve clear vision with glasses or contact lenses. To schedule your next comprehensive eye exam or to learn more about astigmatism, call our team today at (561) 738-0111 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
