ASTIGMATISM

Symptoms

• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Side vision distortion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature or shape of your eye that is often easily corrected. You see best when light focuses clearly and precisely onto the retina in the back of the eye. With astigmatism, the light focuses on more than one point due to an irregular shape in the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, or in the curvature of the lens inside the eye. These irregularities are quite small, but can make a big difference in your vision.

Is astigmatism common?
Astigmatism is common and affects many people. Often it is not severe enough to require corrective action.

What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism may be present at birth. An aging, heavier upper eyelid, eyelid infections, previous eye injury, scarring from previous eye infections, eye surgery, or a progressive condition called keratoconus can also cause astigmatism.

Can astigmatism interfere with my daily activities?
Yes. If you have significant uncorrected astigmatism, you may have eyestrain or headaches. Fuzzy vision may detract from your ability to perform or enjoy everyday activities. Many people have learned to live with astigmatism, never having experienced truly clear vision.

Can I have other conditions associated with my astigmatism?
Yes. Often astigmatism is accompanied by nearsightedness or farsightedness.

What treatments are available for astigmatism?
There is a wide range of options to correct astigmatism. Drs. Agnone and Morrison will perform a full exam to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery -- LASIK, LASEK, Advanced Surface Ablation, and clear lensectomy with an astigmatism correcting intraocular lens implant -- may be options for you.