Powerful Physical Therapy

Three Helpful Astigmatism Facts

12 February 2015 by Clifford Ramos

Do you often find yourself squinting as you are trying to see? Are objects frequently out of focus? Do you get headaches from reading? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be suffering from astigmatism. Astigmatism is a vision problem that is also known as a refractive error—these errors occur when the eyes have difficulty focusing light

Astigmatism is so common that nearly 9/10 people experience it to some degree, many without knowing it!  If you know or suspect that you have astigmatism, continue reading for more information. 

Causes:

Astigmatism is usually caused by flaws in the shape of the cornea (the front of the eye), where the cornea is flattened rather than perfectly round. Many people are born with astigmatism, but it can also occur as the result of injuries or scarring. 

3 Types:

All astigmatism is the result of a misshapen cornea; however, there are actually three different types of astigmatism: myopic, hyperopic, and mixed. In myopic (or nearsighted) astigmatism, light is focused before it reaches the eye. Hyperopic (or farsighted) astigmatism occurs when light is focused behind the retina. Mixed astigmatism is just what it sounds like: a combination of myopic and hyperopic. 

Treatment: 

There are many different ways to treat astigmatism. The first, and simplest, is glasses. If you choose glasses to correct your astigmatism, the lenses will adjust the direction of light to make up for the unevenness of the cornea.

If you do not want glasses, but want their effects, consider contact lenses. You have a wide variety when it comes to contact lenses: soft or rigid; daily, monthly, or non-disposable; the list goes on. Contact lenses are a favorite for many people because they provide the function of glasses but you don't have to worry about breaking them. However, contact lenses are also generally much more expensive than glasses, so keep budget in mind when making your decision. 

The most drastic option for treating your astigmatism is laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery is often painless and will correct the shape of your cornea so that your eyes will reflect light normally. This is an expensive option, but if you have the money for it, it is a great way to correct your vision without having to worry about keeping track of glasses or contact lenses. 

Talk with an eye care office, like Premier Eye Care & Surgery, about any sight problems and the best way to remedy them. 

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