What Does Astigmatism Mean?

Has your optometrist told you that you have astigmatism? Don’t be overly worried. Astigmatism isn’t any kind of eye disease, and your eyesight isn’t threatened by blindness from this condition. In fact, astigmatism is quite common, which is why your optometrist is ready to handle it without a lot of fanfare. It’s just something that you have to live with, and something that you have no control over. Astigmatism results in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Understanding astigmatism and its effects can help individuals seek proper diagnosis and treatment for clearer sight.

Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism might be present at birth and may develop alongside other refractive errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness. While the exact cause is not fully understood, genetics often play a role. In some cases, astigmatism can also result from eye injuries, surgery or conditions like keratoconus, which cause the cornea to thin and bulge outward.

Common Symptoms

People with astigmatism may experience blurry or wavy vision, difficulty seeing clearly at night, eye strain and frequent headaches. Sometimes a person may also notice ghosted or shadowed images, particularly when reading or looking at bright lights. If left uncorrected, astigmatism can make daily tasks like driving or reading more challenging, which is why you should always see a qualified optometrist in Corinth, MS for all your vision care needs.

Diagnosing Astigmatism

An eye exam is necessary to diagnose astigmatism. Your optometrist will use various tests, including a visual acuity test, corneal topography and refraction assessment, to measure the curvature of the cornea and determine the severity of the condition, if it’s determined that you have astigmatism.

Treatment Options

Astigmatism is readily managed with specially prescribed corrective lenses. Prescription eyeglasses and toric contact lenses are specifically designed to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea, improving vision clarity.

Astigmatism is a common but highly treatable condition that affects how light enters the eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision. With the right prescription and regular eye care, even if you have astigmatism you’ll be able to get clear and comfortable vision. If symptoms of astigmatism are affecting daily life, scheduling  a  lens exam in Corinth, MS with an optometrist is the best step toward clearer vision.