The Causes and Treatments for Astigmatism

The Causes and Treatments for Astigmatism

Woman experiencing blurry vision while looking at computer screen

What You Need to Know About Astigmatism

Astigmatism causes blurred vision whether you're looking at an object that's close by or far away. Approximately 33 percent of the population is affected by astigmatism, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that changes the way light rays focus on your retina. The light-sensing layer of cells at the back of the eye sends light impulses to the brain, which processes them into recognizable images.

Two eye structures help keep light rays properly focused on the retina. The cornea, a rounded layer of clear cells that covers the iris and pupil, bends (refracts) light on to the lens inside your eye. The lens, a clear, disc-shaped structure, focuses light on the retina and constantly changes shape as you use your near and far vision.

An irregularly shaped cornea or lens will distort light rays and prevent them from focusing on the retina correctly. If you have astigmatism, your cornea may be more oval-shaped than round, or your lens might be irregularly shaped.

Anyone can develop astigmatism, but it's more likely to occur if you injured your eye, had eye surgery, or have keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to become cone-shaped and thin. In some cases, a change in the shape of your lens can occur before you develop cataracts, according to the American Optometric Association.

Astigmatism is particularly common in babies but usually goes away on its own during the first year. You may be more likely to develop astigmatism if other people in your family also have this refractive error.

Can You Have Astigmatism If You're Nearsighted or Farsighted?

Many people who are nearsighted (myopic) or farsighted (hyperopic) also have astigmatism. Fortunately, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses can help you avoid blurry vision.

What Are the Treatment Options for Astigmatism?

Astigmatism treatment involves altering the way light rays focus on your retina. One or more of these options may help you see clearly if you have astigmatism:

  • Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses. Both glasses and contact lenses offer a good way to counteract the effects of astigmatism. If you look at your prescription, you'll see that your optometrist has made a notation in the CYL (cylinder) column of the prescription. The number indicates the lens power needed for the part of the lenses that corrects astigmatism.
  • Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, offers a temporary solution for astigmatism. During the night, you'll wear special contact lenses that improve the shape of your cornea. Thanks to the rigid lenses, you may not need to wear glasses or regular contact lenses during the day. The effects of ortho-k usually only last a day or two. For the best results, you'll need to wear the contact lenses every night.
  • Laser Surgery. Laser surgery offers a more permanent treatment method for irregularly shaped corneas. During this treatment, a laser removes a small amount of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. The surgery can also be used to improve your vision if you're nearsighted or farsighted.

Are you struggling with blurry vision? You might have astigmatism. The refractive error can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. Contact our office to schedule your exam.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Health Statistics

American Optometric Association: Astigmatism

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Astigmatism?, 8/31/18

All About Vision: What Is Astigmatism?

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • I have been seeing Dr. William Berk for the last 20 years and have always received top notch service. Highly recommend Dr. Bill and his wife Dr. Anne Berk.

    - July 26, 2022
  • dr. anne is the best! she is really caring, professional, and hilarious. not many can make an eye exam enjoyable, but she and her staff are successful! :)

    - June 9, 2020
  • Love Dr. Anne! She is fantastic and so helpful figuring out solutions for seeing well in all areas of life! Thank you! Also staff is friendly and caring and was super happy to have photos instead of dilation and no more air puffs for eye pressure! State of the art!

    - September 22, 2022
  • I have been going here for over 6 years. They are thorough and care sbout your eye health. They also have great service. I definitely recommend them.

    - January 14, 2023
  • Great people great service been coming to them for 30 years😍

    - October 27, 2022
  • Getting new frames is always a painless and pleasant experience here. The staff are professional and friendly.

    - August 27, 2022
  • This place is awesome. Everyone is so nice and you feel like you are getting the best deal. This is my new eye place. The best ever. Thank you all for treating me with professionalism.

    - January 15, 2023
  • Friendly staff, welcoming setting, professional opinions, and great prices! Dr Kimmi is the best! Can’t recommend this place highly enough!

    - January 26, 2023
  • I really love all the people at HV Vision Source! The doctors listen to any questions or concerns I have & never give up on helping me. Thanks so much❣️

    - January 28, 2023
  • My Happy Valley Vision Source appointment went well. Dr. Chan was very helpful and informative regarding my vision requirements. I recommend them if you need eye care.

    - May 19, 2023
  • This was my first time at this office. Everything from the booking experience to the exam to the final payment was great. Everyone was very professional. I'll definitely be back and recommend this place!

    - March 10, 2023
  • The doctor and staff were great. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer all my questions and help me select a new pair of glasses. Thank you for the great service.

    - March 18, 2023
  • I arrived early. Only waited about 5 minutes. I ❤️ Dr.Nguyen. She's like a breath of fresh air. She diagnosed my issue quickly and I'm on the road to recovery! Thank you!😊

    - July 5, 2023
  • Completed my eye exam within an hour and everyone there is nice. Probably the best office I have been to throughout my life having glasses.

    - May 11, 2023
  • Wonderful experience, and very helpful getting my vision back to perfect.

    - June 9, 2023
  • I had the best experience here! I would recommend Happy Valley Vision Source to anyone looking for a new place to have an eye exam. I love my glasses and contacts and the staff was amazing!

    - May 23, 2023

Hours of Operation

Due to appointment demand, you may be charged a minimum $39 fee if you cancel or miss your appointment without 24 hour notice.

Office Hours

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Office Hours

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

Locations

Find us on the map