Astigmatism Symptoms And Causes: A Simple Guide

Nov 11, 2022 | Blog

Astigmatism is a type of refractive imperfection in which the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. 

Most people have a degree of astigmatism, but it is usually not severe enough to cause problems with vision. However, when astigmatism is more powerful, it can make everyday activities such as reading and driving difficult. Correcting astigmatism can be done with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

 

Read on to learn about the following: 

 

  • Symptoms Associated with Astigmatism 
  • When to Consult a Healthcare Provider 
  • Causes of Astigmatism 
  • Experts to Support You

Symptoms Associated with Astigmatism 

A few key symptoms of astigmatism can help you determine if you may be suffering from this vision problem:

  1. Blurry or fuzzy vision is a common symptom, as astigmatism can cause objects to appear out of focus.
  2. Eye fatigue or headaches after extended periods of reading or working on the computer may indicate astigmatism.
  3. Difficulty seeing at night can be a symptom, as astigmatism can make it difficult to focus on objects in low light.

If you become aware of any of these symptoms, you must see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. You can manage astigmatism and improve your vision with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Learn The Causes of Astigmatism

There are some different causes of astigmatism. One is an irregular shape on the front surface of your eye called the cornea, and the other is the position of your eyes.

If you have an irregularly shaped cornea, light rays entering your eye will be refracted (or bent) at different points on the cornea. This will cause your vision to be blurred.

If your eyes are not in the correct position with each other, this can also cause astigmatism. Having your eyes focus on different points will cause different refracted light rays. This type of astigmatism is called axial or refractive astigmatism. You will need an astigmatism diagnosis in order to learn about the proper treatments.

If You Have Astigmatism, When Should You Consult a Healthcare Provider? 

If you have astigmatism, you may also be at risk for developing other eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts. It is vital to have regular eye exams so that your healthcare provider can check for these conditions. Treatment for astigmatism can help improve your vision and reduce your risk of developing other eye problems. 

Expert Eye Doctors That Can Help You With Astigmatism 

Welcome to Nicholas Rutkowski OD & Associates. We’re a team of expert eye care specialists dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care. Looking for an eye doctor in Bourbonnais? We offer comprehensive eye examinations from contact lens fittings to LASIK surgery. 

We believe everyone deserves to have healthy and beautiful eyes, and are committed to helping our patients achieve this. If you’re looking for an eye care team that you can trust, look no further than Nicholas Rutkowski OD & Associates. We’re ready to serve you and provide the best possible care. For advanced eye care in Bourbonnais, consult the experts. Thank you for choosing us!

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