Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes blurred and distorted vision. It happens due to an abnormal curvature of the eye's surface (your cornea), leading to uneven light focus on the retina. This focus error causes blurry vision, headaches, eye strain, and other symptoms. 

Regular eye exams and checkups with your eye doctor can help with the early detection of refractive errors like astigmatism. Proper detection can help prevent vision loss and other complications. 

Astigmatism can occur alongside other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. Treatment ranges from refractive corrections and prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to lens insertion surgery.

The intensity of symptoms related to astigmatism will depend on the extent of the shape irregularity in the eyes. Signs include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Squinting
• Double vision
• Eye discomfort or irritation

Your eye works similarly to a camera, where the cornea and lens focus on the light that objects reflect to form images. 

The cornea is the dome-shaped surface in the front part of your eye, and the lens is inside the eye. This structure bends the light that passes through the pupil to focus the image.

In a healthy eye, the cornea and lens have a curved surface to refract light. When astigmatism occurs, the cornea and lens are irregularly shaped, preventing light from focusing on the retina. 

Astigmatism may be present from birth, or it may develop due to multiple factors, such as:

• Having a family history of astigmatism
• Medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
• Having eye conditions like keratoconus
• Previous eye injuries 
• Previous eye surgery

Astigmatism and other refractive errors (like farsightedness or nearsightedness) can be diagnosed by performing a comprehensive eye exam and multiple tests to determine the health state of your vision. This typically includes:

• A visual acuity test that measures your vision at different distances.
• A dilated eye exam that involves eye drops to dilate and examine your pupils.
• A slit-lamp exam that uses a bright light microscope to examine the cornea, iris, and lens.
• A refractive test that involves looking through a series of lenses to determine the right prescription to correct your refractive condition.

Treatment for astigmatism will not change the shape of your eye but will help you focus on faraway and nearby objects. Multiple refractive corrections, such as prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and lens insertion surgery, are all possible treatment options. 

The right approach to your case of astigmatism will depend on your individual needs and lifestyle. Talking to your doctor and performing regular eye exams will ensure the  refractive treatment is chosen. Options may include:

• Prescription eyeglasses: Bifocal and progressive lenses can help correct near vision problems.
• Contact lenses: Multifocal contact lenses, just like eyeglasses, can help correct vision problems. This is a commonly chosen option for people who do not want to wear frames. 
• Surgery: For people who do not want to wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses and whose vision problems require it, surgical procedures like implanting an artificial lens may be appropriate. 
• Vision therapy: To improve the ability to focus, your eye doctor can also provide specific vision exercises.

EyesNY offers treatment to help patients treat astigmatism. Our specialized team of ophthalmologists is ready to assess your needs and give you the high-quality vision care you deserve. 

We work with cutting-edge technology to identify the root cause of your condition and create personalized treatment plans. Our caring staff is ready to welcome you and meet your ocular health and vision needs. 

Our comprehensive eye care services include routine and medical eye exams to perform prescription tests. 

If you’d like a consultation or more information, call us or request an appointment online. You can also visit any of our clinic locations around New York, including Malta, Clifton Park, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Queensbury.