Astigmatism
A common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances -- correctable with glasses, contacts, or LASIK.
Book a Vision Correction ConsultationNoticing blurry or distorted vision at all distances?
Unlike myopia or hyperopia, astigmatism can blur vision both near and far, sometimes with a slight "streaking" or doubling effect. A refraction and corneal topography test confirms the exact pattern.
Already diagnosed, exploring correction options?
Astigmatism is correctable with toric lenses, toric contact lenses, or LASIK in suitable candidates. We'll help you understand which option fits your degree of astigmatism and lifestyle.
What Is It?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (or sometimes the lens) is shaped more like a rugby ball than a perfectly round sphere, causing light to focus at more than one point on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision at any distance, rather than only up close or only far away.
Astigmatism is extremely common and often occurs alongside myopia or hyperopia. It’s easily corrected with cylindrical glasses or toric contact lenses, and most degrees of astigmatism can also be corrected with LASIK in suitable candidates, confirmed through detailed corneal mapping during evaluation.
Risk Factors
- Often present from birth -- a naturally occurring corneal shape
- Family history of astigmatism
- Can develop or change after eye injury or surgery
- Often occurs alongside myopia or hyperopia
Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision at any distance
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially with prolonged reading or screen use
- Headaches
- Difficulty with night vision, including streaking around lights
Treatment
- Glasses with Cylindrical Correction: The standard correction, addressing the specific axis and degree of astigmatism.
- Toric Contact Lenses: Specially designed contact lenses that correct astigmatism, for those who prefer not to wear glasses.
- LASIK: Can correct most degrees of astigmatism in suitable candidates, confirmed through corneal mapping.
- Toric IOLs: If astigmatism is corrected at the time of cataract surgery, a toric intraocular lens addresses both conditions together.
Related Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Is LASIK painful, and how long is recovery?
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