What is Astigmatism?
Our eye, typically, is shaped like a basketball; it is spherical, smooth, and equally shaped in all directions. However, the sphere changes to an oval or egg shape in people with astigmatism, leading to vision errors.
The cornea and lens have a smooth surface and are curved equally
in all directions, focusing light rays onto the retina located at the back of the eye. Any structural problems with the cornea or the lens will not allow proper refraction of the light rays and cause a refractive error.
Corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea assumes a distorted shape, and if the lens is affected, it is known as lenticular astigmatism. No matter the type of astigmatism you suffer from, it will affect your vision for far and near objects. The vision is blurry and distorted in patients with astigmatism. It can be present along with other refractive errors like Myopia (Nearsightedness) or Hyperopia (Farsightedness). Astigmatism can affect adults as well as children.
Causes of Astigmatism
In most cases, astigmatism happens to be a genetic anomaly, and people are born with it; however, a clear reason is still not known. It can also be a sequela of an eye injury, any disease of the eye, or surgery.
In some rare cases, a condition known as keratoconus can also cause astigmatism. It makes the clear front part of the eye, the cornea, thinner and cone-shaped, leading to blurry and distorted vision.
Diagnosis of Astigmatism
When you come in for your eye check-up at Metropolitian Vision Associates, our optometry clinic in Michigan, our optometrist will conduct a series of tests for the diagnosis of astigmatism. These tests may include :
- Reading an eye chart which helps to assess the sharpness of your eyesight.
- Phoropter: You will be asked to look through a series of lenses until we find the ones that enable the clearest vision.
- Keratometer: Measure the bend in the center of your cornea and find the steepest and flattest curves. It helps to analyze the shape of the cornea and how well it can focus.
- Autorefractor: Shine light into your eye and measure the changes as it bounces off the back of the eye. This gives our optometrist an idea of the type of lenses you may need.
Signs and Symptoms of Astigmatism
The signs and symptoms of astigmatism are insidious in nature and creep in slowly. Some of the most common symptoms of astigmatism include-
- Blurry vision
- Areas of distorted vision
- Strained eyes
- Eye discomfort
- Headaches
- Squinting to see clearly
If you experience any of these symptoms or notice any change in your vision, please schedule an appointment and promptly visit us at Metro Vision.
Astigmatism Treatment in Dearborn Heights
Mild to moderate astigmatism is corrected and treated with the help of prescription glasses and contact lenses. You will be prescribed the needed glasses that correct astigmatism by compensating for uneven curves in your cornea and lens.
We also use Rigid Contacts (RGP – Rigid gas permeable) to correct astigmatism.
Toric contact lenses are the newer modality that uses soft lenses to correct mild to moderate astigmatism.
Your treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis, and our specialty contact lens fitting will ensure you have a superior fit and clear vision. If you have any more questions or wish to schedule an astigmatism check-up appointment, please reach out to us; our team will be there to assist you.