Astigmatism is a term that might seem technical, but it’s just a way to describe a common vision condition affecting how clearly you see. Imagine if your eye were meant to be shaped perfectly round, like a basketball, but instead, it resembles more of a football shape. This unique shape causes light to bend unevenly as it enters your eye, leading to a vision that can be blurry or distorted. It’s as if you’re looking through a lens that can’t focus the entire scene sharply at once.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Most of the time, astigmatism is something people are born with, although it can also emerge after an eye injury, disease, or surgery. The primary culprit is an irregularly shaped cornea—the clear, front surface of your eye—or occasionally the curvature of the lens inside your eye. Rather than having a consistent curve, your cornea or lens displays mismatched curves, disrupting how light rays are focused onto your retina.
How Do You Know If You Have Astigmatism?
If you notice blurred or distorted vision at various distances, find yourself squinting often, experiencing eye strain, headaches, or difficulty with night driving, it might be time to consider that you could have astigmatism. We encourage you to visit us for an eye exam if you’re encountering these symptoms. We can easily determine if you have astigmatism and the extent of it through a straightforward exam.
Treating Astigmatism
Fortunately, treating astigmatism is straightforward. Eyeglasses or contact lenses are the most frequent remedies, designed to correct the way light bends into your eyes, allowing for clearer vision. For those who’d rather not wear glasses or contacts, laser eye surgery presents another viable option. This procedure can reshape the cornea, correcting the uneven curvature.
Simplifying Your Vision Care
Think of your eye like a camera that needs a slight adjustment for a flawless focus. With glasses, contacts, or surgery, you can fine-tune that focus and see the world with clarity. If you suspect astigmatism or are curious about improving your vision, we’re here to guide you. At our practice, we’re committed to helping you achieve your best possible vision. Reach out to us, and let’s explore how we can bring the world into clearer view together.
