Astigmatism is a condition that affects millions of Americans. It impairs vision and limits capacities. People with astigmatism will have to undergo correcting measures, such as wearing glasses or undergoing surgery. Keep reading to discover what astigmatism is, its signs, and what you can do to recover from it.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error that occurs when the eye cannot focus light evenly onto the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. An irregularity is what usually causes astigmatism in the shape of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It can also cause it in the lens, which sits behind the cornea. The symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Eyestrain or headaches after prolonged periods of reading or working on the computer
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Squinting to try to see better
- Fatigue
How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will use a retinoscope device to shine a light into your eye and assess the way your retina reflects it. They will then use a phoropter to measure how well you see at different angles. If you have astigmatism, your vision will be blurry at all distances.
Your doctor may also order a corneal mapping test, also known as topography. This test uses a special camera to map the curvature of your cornea. It can help your doctor determine the severity of your astigmatism and plan your treatment.
Astigmatism Treatments
Astigmatism treatments usually start with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Eyeglasses or contacts are the simplest and most common way to treat astigmatism. They work by bending the light entering your eye to focus properly on your retina.
Refractive surgery is another option for treating astigmatism. This type of surgery changes the shape of your cornea so that light entering your eye is focused correctly on your retina. If you have astigmatism, make an appointment with an eye care professional today to discuss treatment options.
Effective Astigmatism Treatment In Bourbonnais And Frankfort, IL
Nicholas Rutkowski OD and Associates is your local eye doctor in Bourbonnais and Frankfort, IL, experts in astigmatism diagnosis and treatment. We offer comprehensive eye exams that can diagnose astigmatism and other refractive errors. We also offer a wide range of astigmatism treatment options, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery.
Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your vision with our optometrist services in Frankfort, IL, and Bourbonnais, IL.