5 MINUTE READ | March 18, 2022 | Eye Conditions

What to Know About Astigmatism

Do you have trouble seeing clearly in certain situations? You might be experiencing symptoms of astigmatism. This common eye condition affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to a number of vision problems if left untreated. We’ll cover the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for this condition below.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the curvature of your cornea (the clear, dome-shaped layer that covers the front of your eye) is not evenly shaped. This can cause problems with your vision, as light entering your eye will not be focused correctly. As a result, you may experience blurred vision and difficulty seeing clearly in certain situations, such as at night or when looking at objects up close.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Several factors can contribute to the development of astigmatism. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Genetics – If you have a family history of astigmatism, you are more likely to develop the condition yourself.
  • Eye injuries – If you have ever suffered an eye injury, you may be more likely to develop astigmatism.
  • Keratoconus – This rare condition causes the cornea to become thin and cone-shaped.

How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of astigmatism, our ophthalmologist, Dr. Archana Gupta, will perform a series of tests to determine whether or not you have the condition. One of these tests is called a refraction test. During this test, Dr. Gupta will place a series of lenses in front of your eyes and ask you to look at a fixed object. This test will help your doctor determine how well your eyes focus light. Other tests that may be used to diagnose astigmatism include:

  • Slit-lamp examination – This test uses a bright light and a microscope-like device to examine the front of your eyes. This test can help your doctor determine if you have any other eye conditions, such as keratoconus.
  • Corneal topography is a special type of imaging that takes pictures of your cornea. It can help your doctor identify irregularities in the shape of your cornea.

How is Astigmatism Treated?

There are a number of treatment options available for astigmatism. The most common treatments include:

  • Glasses or contact lenses – If you have mild or moderate astigmatism, your doctor may recommend wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.
  • Refractive surgery – If you have severe astigmatism, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct your vision. This includes procedures such as LASIK and PRK.
  • Orthokeratology – This is a special type of contact lens that can help correct nearsightedness or farsightedness as well as astigmatism.

Eye Doctor in Boca Raton and Tamarac, FL

If you think you might have astigmatism, it is important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Archana Gupta at Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton and Tamarac, FL. Don’t suffer with blurry vision that can lead to headaches and difficulty navigating your day-to-day life. Contact us at Advanced Eye Surgeons today to find a treatment that’s right for you.

DLM Admin

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