Astigmatism is a common eye condition, yet many people are unaware they have it or how it affects their vision. While astigmatism can be a complex topic, its basic cause is simple: it arises from an irregular shape of the eye.
I see many patients in the office that mention that they “have been told that I have astigmatism,” but most people don’t even know that they have astigmatism or how it affects their vision! You might have heard the comment, ‘the eye is shaped like a football’ but this is only partly the case. In a perfect world, with perfect vision, the front of the eye is perfectly round like a baseball. This keeps light focused to a single point, making everything clear. However, in individuals with astigmatism, the cornea (the front surface of the eye) is unevenly curved, either more steeply in one direction (horizontal or vertical) than in another. This irregular shape causes light to focus on two points instead of one, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred or distorted vision, especially in low-light conditions such as at night. People with astigmatism may also notice halos or streaks of light, often described as a “starburst” effect around lights, particularly in the evening or when driving at night. With the shorter days and increased night driving in the winter months, many individuals may find these symptoms more noticeable and disruptive.
Fortunately, several effective options exist for managing astigmatism and improving vision.
Eyeglasses The most common and simplest way to correct astigmatism is through prescription glasses. Even if you only wear them for activities like night driving, glasses can significantly improve your ability to see clearly in low-light conditions.
Contact Lenses Another option for correcting astigmatism. However, the effectiveness of contact lenses depends on the severity of the prescription. In some cases, specialty lenses may be required for optimal correction.
Refractive Surgery Surgical options like LASIK or PRK can address both astigmatism and other refractive errors (such as nearsightedness or farsightedness). These procedures reshape the cornea to correct vision, often eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses altogether.
While astigmatism can be frustrating, it is a manageable condition with the right corrective measures. For people with mild astigmatism, simple glasses or contact lenses may be enough to restore clear vision. In cases of moderate or severe astigmatism, refractive surgery might be the best option to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts altogether.
Astigmatism is a common and treatable eye condition that affects the way light is focused on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Whether mild or severe, the condition can be managed with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, offering patients a variety of options to achieve clear, comfortable vision.
If you are experiencing symptoms like blurry vision, night-time halos, or eye strain, scheduling an eye exam is the first step toward restoring your vision. We can help get your world back in focus.
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