Have you ever heard of astigmatism and wondered what it is? Astigmatism is a common eye condition that causes blurred vision. Though astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or laser surgery, it’s important to understand the basics of astigmatism so that you can make informed decisions about your eye care. Keep reading for an overview of astigmatism and how it affects vision.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye. The cornea and lens are responsible for focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When these structures are not perfectly smooth, they fail to focus all incoming light on one point, resulting in blurry vision. This type of refractive error is called astigmatism.
How Does Astigmatism Affect Vision?
Astigmatism can cause blurriness and distortion at any distance—near or far—and can also cause headaches, squinting, eyestrain, and fatigue. People with astigmatism may have difficulty seeing clearly at night or while driving since their eyes cannot properly focus on objects at a distance. Symptoms may be mild or severe depending on the degree of irregularity in the cornea or lens.
Treating Astigmatism
The good news is that astigmatism can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery like LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Your optometrist will help you determine which treatment option is best for you based on your individual needs and lifestyle. If your symptoms are mild enough that you do not need corrective lenses, regular eye exams are still recommended to monitor your vision health over time.
Understanding astigmatism can help ensure that you get the best care possible for your eyesight! With proper treatment like glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery such as LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), people with astigmatism can improve their sight significantly and enjoy clear vision without pain or strain. Regular visits to an optometrist will help keep track of your vision health over time to ensure that any changes are detected early on and addressed quickly so that you remain healthy and happy!