Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an extremely common imperfection of the eye’s curvature. Though more prevalent in adults, astigmatism is a very frequent imperfection in patients of all ages. It is not a disease, or due to illness, but how your eye focuses on light, causing a blurred vision. We can easily detect astigmatism through a comprehensive eye exam and then treat with a variety of methods including prescription eyeglasses, contacts, or laser surgery. Our team at Evergreen Eye Care will work with you to find the best solution to increase your vision and help you be more comfortable.

We hear many terms used for optometry, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. A patient who is nearsighted has difficulty focusing on things unless they are close. A patient who is farsighted has difficulty focusing on things unless they are pulled further away. A patient who has astigmatism may have an otherwise normal vision, or may have either nearsightedness or farsightedness, and additionally sees objects blurred or distorted, either consistently or inconsistently.

A normal corona is shaped in a symmetrically round form. An irregular corona is shaped more oval, almost football shape. This small adjustment causes a refractive error, meaning that light is not passed correctly, causing blurriness in vision. Astigmatism is a very common vision disorder in patients, some are born with it, and some acquire it from an eye injury, it may have been that you have always had it, but the effects are exacerbated from changes to your vision as you age. A common myth is that astigmatism comes from reading excessively or in low light, but there is no medical information to support this idea.

Astigmatism symptoms often come about slowly; it is not necessarily constant. Many patients assumed that they were experiencing blurred vision because they were tired, or had strained their eyes, often it is astigmatism.

A simple eye exam can help us determine if you have astigmatism. Remember, the symptoms are not necessarily constant, many patients experience symptoms sporadically. If we determine that you do have astigmatism, simple steps can be taken to correct it. The two most common treatments are:

Corrective Lens

A specialized type of lens, known as a toric, can be worn. Placed in eyeglasses or used with contacts, this is the most common lens prescribed for patients with astigmatism. A toric lens will bend light helping you see more clearly. Patients who have a more severe case have other types of lens available.

Laser Surgery

Refractive laser surgery is a simple procedure that can save you the hassle of glasses and contacts. We can surgically change the shape of your corona. By changing the shape, we can change how light is refracted, helping you see more clearly.

Strained Vision

Many patients come to us discussing strained vision, most often from extended computer use. Known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), patients have complained about light sensitivity, strain, and enhanced blurry vision. Uncorrected vision problems can enhance these symptoms. We can provide information, tips, and tools to help.