What is Astigmatism?

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a term that is commonly used in the eye care industry, but many patients don’t understand what it means. If you are asking “What is Astigmatism?”, you might look online to find more information about this eye condition. There are plenty of resources that are available to help you identify the meaning of this term.

Don’t worry; our team here at Village Eyecare will gladly answer your questions and help you learn more about your eye health. Here’s information to help you learn more about astigmatism and what it means for your eyes:

What is Astigmatism?

This term is used to refer to a change in the curvature of the cornea of your eye. The cornea is a small, round, clear dome that covers the pupil and iris. In a healthy eye, the curvature is equal in all directions so that light can move in to create a sharp focus on the back of the eye. But, if the cornea isn’t smooth, then it can change the way the light rays are infracted.

If an irregular shape develops on the cornea, then it is known as corneal astigmatism. Lenticular astigmatism is another type, which happens when the distortion is on the lens instead of the cornea.

Regardless of the type of astigmatism that you have, this disease causes objects to appear distorted or blurry. Astigmatism can occur in children and adults.

Causes of Astigmatism

Don’t be worried if your doctor tells you that you have astigmatism. This condition is very normal. In fact, many people are born with it. As a result, doctors haven’t been able to identify the exact cause of this eye condition.

Some people develop astigmatism later in life, after surgery, eye disease, or an injury to the eye. An experienced eye care professional can diagnose the condition during a regular eye exam.

Treating Astigmatism

Do you have astigmatism? There is one main symptom that might indicate a change in the shape of your eye: blurry vision. Sometimes, patients attribute the blurry vision to eyestrain or fatigue. But, if you notice ongoing blurriness, then it is important that you schedule an appointment with an optometrist.

Most cases can be easily corrected with contact lenses or glasses. If it is only a slight problem, then you might not need any treatment at all. Typically, this eye condition slowly progresses over time, and an eye doctor can monitor the progression to recommend treatments as needed.

In some situations, laser surgery might be used to change the shape of the cornea. Your eye doctor can help you decide if you are a good candidate for eye surgery, and the type of laser surgery that will be best to improve your vision.

Learn More About Astigmatism

What is astigmatism? Our team here at Village Eyecare can help you learn more about this eye condition. We have many years of experience in the industry, and we are working hard to help our patients learn more about good vision and treatments to support your sight.

For more information, call one of our convenient locations to schedule an exam. We are here to help!

2018-04-04T17:03:58-05:00