Astigmatism Specialist

What is astigmatism?

In a normal eye, the cornea has a smooth curve that’s equal in all directions. This helps refract light onto the retina at the back of the eye to make images clear and even. For people with astigmatism, the cornea has an irregular shape, so it refracts light improperly, which results in blurry or wavy images.

What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

Images at all distances may look distorted. Other signs of astigmatism include:

• Headaches
• Eyestrain
• Squinting

You may also find you have difficulty driving at night due to your compromised vision. Experiencing any of these symptoms suggests you should visit Valley Eye Professionals to have your eyes evaluated.

Children with astigmatism may not realize their vision isn’t normal, which is why regular eye exams are crucial.

How is astigmatism corrected noninvasively?

Eyeglasses are one of the easiest ways to correct for astigmatism. Your optometrist at Valley Eye Professionals can create a prescription for lenses that effectively improve your vision and alleviate your symptoms.

Contact lenses are another simple solution for astigmatism as they correct the refraction of the light coming into your eye. Many people prefer contacts to glasses because they offer a wider field of vision and clearer sight, and you might also find them to be more comfortable.

Can surgery correct my astigmatism?

In some cases, refractive surgery to permanently change the shape of your cornea may be the best option. You end up with a more rounded cornea that better focuses the light rays onto the retina, thus improving your vision. Surgery is simple and performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day.

Laser surgery with LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) can correct astigmatism. Both are refractive surgeries that provide similar outcomes in reshaping the cornea to make the front surface of your eye more symmetrical. Your optometrist consults with you to determine which one is the best for your particular condition.

For some people, refractive lens exchange may be a better option than LASIK or PRK. During this procedure, your optometrist surgically replaces your existing clear lens with an artificial intraocular lens. This corrects issues with sending light to your retina and helps you achieve sharper focus.

To learn more about how Valley Eye Professionals can help you address vision problems associated with astigmatism, call the office or book an appointment online.