What Is Astigmatism & How Can It Be Corrected?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects how the eye focuses light, leading to blurred or distorted vision at any distance. It occurs when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, is irregularly shaped. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea is shaped more like a football, causing light to be focused unevenly on the retina. This irregularity distorts the way light enters the eye, resulting in blurred or fuzzy vision. Astigmatism is a normal condition! Everyone has some amount of astigmatism, but some have more than others.
Astigmatism can occur in combination with other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). It affects both children and adults and can be present from birth or develop over time.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Astigmatism often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms may be subtle, especially in mild cases. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether astigmatism or another refractive error is causing your vision problems. Common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Squinting to improve focus
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How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Diagnosing astigmatism requires a thorough eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Once astigmatism is diagnosed, your eye doctor will discuss the most suitable astigmatism treatment options based on your specific needs and lifestyle. During the exam, your eye doctor will perform several tests, including:
- Visual acuity test: This measures how clearly you can see at various distances.
- Keratometry: This test measures the curvature of the cornea to determine the extent of astigmatism.
- Refraction test: By using a series of lenses, this test identifies the correct prescription needed to correct astigmatism and other refractive errors.
- Eye imaging: for some patients, the clinician may get special images of the eye (e.g., corneal topography, tomography, etc.) to diagnose or monitor astigmatism.
Correcting Astigmatism
Fortunately, there are various astigmatism correction options that can restore clear, sharp vision. Most patients with astigmatism have excellent vision! The best method depends on the severity of the astigmatism and the patient’s preferences. Here are the most common ways to correct astigmatism:
1. Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are a common, simple and non-invasive way to correct astigmatism. Special lenses compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, helping light focus correctly on the retina. People with mild to moderate astigmatism often find that wearing prescription eyeglasses significantly improves their vision.
2. Contact Lenses
Contact lenses offer another effective way of correcting astigmatism. Many individuals with astigmatism prefer contact lenses because they are convenient and can provide a wider field of view than glasses. There are specific types of contact lenses designed to correct this condition:
- Toric lenses: These “soft” lenses are specially shaped to correct astigmatism by compensating for the cornea’s irregular shape.
- Gas-permeable lenses: While not specifically designed for astigmatism, rigid gas-permeable lenses can sometimes provide clearer vision for those with mild astigmatism due to their firmness.
- Hybrid lenses: These lenses combine the benefits of both soft and gas-permeable lenses, providing comfort with clearer vision correction.
- Scleral contact lenses: these specialized lenses can help correct advanced cases of astigmatism, including astigmatismcaused by trauma, surgery, or other eye diseases.
3. LASIK Surgery
Laser eye surgery such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) may be an ideal option for those seeking a more permanent solution to astigmatism. LASIK reshapes the cornea by using a precise laser, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. This procedure can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses in people with mild to moderate astigmatism. However, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, so a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if this is suitable for a given patient, including correcting astigmatism.
4. PRK Surgery
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is another laser-based option for astigmatism correction. Like LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea to improve how light enters the eye. PRK may be recommended for individuals who are not suitable candidates for LASIK due to thinner corneas or other factors.
5. Phakic IOLs (Implantable Collamer Lenses)
Sometimes referred to as “implantable contact lenses,” intraocular lenses (IOLs) can be surgically implanted into the patient’s eye to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. These lenses can stay in the patient’s eye for decades, providing good vision with independence from glasses and contact lenses.
6. Cataract Surgery
For some patients, cataract surgery with special astigmatism-correcting lenses (toric IOLs) can help them achieve excellent vision without glasses or contact lenses. This option is especially effective in older patients.
7. Clear Lens/Refractive Lens Exchange
Similar to cataract surgery mentioned above, this option involves surgically removing the crystalline lens inside the patient’s eye, and implanting an IOL that can correct astigmatism and decrease patients’ dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
8. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K is a non-surgical treatment option for correcting astigmatism, especially for pediatric patients. It involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight, which temporarily reshape the cornea. During the day, the cornea retains its corrected shape, allowing for clearer vision without the need for glasses or contacts. This option is often chosen by people who are not ready for surgery but want a more flexible alternative to traditional corrective lenses.
Astigmatism Treatment Options: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right astigmatism treatment depends on several factors, including the condition’s severity, age, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Some individuals may prefer the simplicity and non-invasive nature of eyeglasses or contact lenses, while others might opt for laser surgery to achieve more permanent vision correction.
An eye care professional can help guide you through selecting the best astigmatism correction method for your needs. Regardless of the option you choose, correcting an astigmatism can significantly enhance your quality of life by improving your vision and reducing discomfort.
Treating Astigmatism at Dean McGee Eye Institute
Astigmatism is a common vision problem that can lead to blurred or distorted vision, but it can be easily corrected with various treatment options. Whether through eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser surgery, or other methods, individuals with astigmatism have multiple ways to restore clear, sharp vision. Consulting with an eye care professional at Dean McGee Eye Institute will help you determine the best treatment to address your specific needs and improve your overall eye health. By understanding astigmatism and its correction options, you can take the necessary steps to enhance your vision and quality of life.
