Do you have frequent eye strain, headaches or find yourself squinting to see things clearly? If so, you may have astigmatism.
In this article, I'll review what astigmatism is, causes of the condition, and popular treatment options.
What is astigmatism?
Not as scary as the word sounds, astigmatism is a common visual condition that causes distorted or blurred vision at all distances.
If you have astigmatism, you may experience trouble driving at night, difficulty reading, or eye strain after a long day of working on your computer.
What causes astigmatism?
The exact cause of astigmatism is unknown.
From an anatomy perspective, a normal eye's cornea is naturally shaped round, like a basketball. However, eyes that have astigmatism have cornea's that are shaped more like a football, causing blurry or distorted vision. As a result, light doesn't clearly focus on the retina.
Astigmatism treatment options
Glasses and contact lenses are the most common way astigmatism is corrected. They're both easily accessible, minimally invasive, and widely available to accommodate a number of prescription and lifestyle options.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you should consider LASIK or PRK. Both of these refractive surgeries alter the shape of your eye to permanently treat astigmatism.
Curious if you have astigmatism? Schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors of optometry today!
Give us a call or simply schedule online: Northlake Mall | Concord Mills | Biltmore Park | Asheville Mall