What Is Astigmatism?

If your eye doctor said you have astigmatism, you may be wondering what that means. Astigmatism is a common vision condition, known as a refractive error, that makes it difficult to see clearly at many distances. The good news is it can be corrected with help from an optometrist on our team at Eye Care Center-Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC. Read on to learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea - the clear, protective outer layer of the eye. This irregular curve prevents light from properly focusing on the retina at the back of the eye, the result being blurred or distorted vision at many distances.

Astigmatism is often congenital and is discovered in childhood. However, it can also be acquired later in life due to injury, infection, or surgery that alters the cornea's shape.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Some common symptoms of astigmatism include:

•             Blurry vision at all distances

•             Headaches and eye strain

•             Squinting or squeezing the eyes shut to see clearly

•             Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions

Getting an Astigmatism Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose astigmatism is through an eye exam. At Eye Care Center-Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC, we can perform diagnostic testing to check different aspects of your vision and eye health. We will evaluate your refractive error to determine the exact prescription necessary for the correction of your astigmatism so we can provide the contacts or eyeglasses you need to see clearly.

Options for Correcting Astigmatism

The good news is astigmatism can be corrected. Treatment options may include:

•             Eyeglasses - Prescription lenses to compensate for the irregular curvature of the cornea.

•             Contact Lenses - Toric contacts can also provide vision correction for astigmatism.

•             Laser Eye Surgery - Lasik can help reduce or eliminate astigmatism if you are a good candidate. Although we do not provide eye surgery, we can provide a consultation to help make sure the procedure will be safe and effective for you.

Get an Eye Exam, LASIK Exam, Astigmatism Treatment, and Optometrist Services from an Eye Doctor Near You

Schedule an exam with our team at Eye Care Center-Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC, to discuss the best astigmatism treatment options for your eyes and lifestyle. Call us at (704) 541-5500 for an eye exam, LASIK exam, astigmatism treatment, and optometrist services from an eye doctor near you.