Astigmatism
Astigmatism is one of several types of refractive errors that can impact your vision. Although most people have heard of the term at some point, many do not understand what it means or what to do if they have it. At Griswold Eye Care in Jewett City, we believe that knowledge is power, so we created this guide to help you understand astigmatism better.
What Is Astigmatism?
To understand astigmatism, it’s important to first understand how a healthy eye works without refractive errors. A healthy eye is round, shaped much like a ball. Due to this shape, the light that enters the eye is able to focus properly on the retina. This helps provide a clear image of the object the eye is looking at.
An eye with astigmatism, on the other hand, is irregularly shaped – it’s more of an oval than a rounded ball. Corneal astigmatism means that the cornea itself is shaped like this. Lenticular astigmatism occurs when the eye’s lens is shaped improperly. When either of these occurs, the light that enters the eye focuses either behind or before the retina, creating a distorted visual image of the object being looked at.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Symptoms can vary from one person to another, but the most common symptoms include:
• Distorted or blurry vision, regardless of the distance
• Constant squinting
• Trouble seeing at night
• Tired, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes
• Constant headaches
Although these symptoms point to astigmatism, the only way to know for sure if this condition causes your vision trouble is to have a comprehensive eye exam. During such an exam, everything from your visual acuity to the curvature of your eye will be assessed, informing your optometrist if you have vision issues, including astigmatism.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, you have several options for treatment. Two of these include eyeglasses and contact lenses. Fortunately, you can choose from many types of frames for eyeglasses to suit your style and personality.
There are also various types of contact lenses made for astigmatism. If you’re interested in a more permanent solution, both LASIK and PRK surgeries are available. Our optometrist will discuss the best options for your needs after completing a full eye exam.
Visit Our Optometrist in Jewett City, CT
Are you ready to improve your vision and see more clearly? Schedule a visit with our team at Griswold Eye Care by calling (860) 376-2848 today.