Simpli-fying Astigmatism, Fear Not!
Astigmatism (pronounce as uh·stig·muh·ti·zm) is often a scary term to many patients, but it does not have to be! Let’s understand what it means…
Astigmatism is a common condition that affects at least 1/3 of the population in the United States [1]. It is usually caused by the irregularity of the front surface of the eye, specifically the corneal layer, being shaped like a football resulting in light to refract in different angles. Because of this irregular shape, people with astigmatism can experience symptoms such as blurry vision, starburst-like image when staring at lights, eye stain, headache, and visual discomfort. This is usually detected during your comprehensive eye exam.
Often time, astigmatism is mild for most people and can be easily treated with corrective lenses, either glasses and/or contact lenses. However, in rare cases, it may be advantageous to do specialty contact lenses such as rigid gas permeable lenses or scleral lenses to maximize ones’ vision. Other treatment options are refractive surgery — which can be discussed with your eye doctor at your appointment. A strong astigmatism power may also indicate serious underlying eye conditions such as keratoconus, where the corneal tissue degenerates and thins. This is why it is important for children and adults to have their eye exam done annually.
In summary, there are many misconceptions about the word astigmatism, but the term is a lot less scary once you understand it! It is a common condition that can be diagnosed and treated by your eye doctor. If you have any concerns or experience any symptoms above, contact us today to schedule an appointment!