Astigmatism

What is Astigmatism?


Astigmatism is a vision problem that causes objects to appear distorted and blurry. It often affects both distance and near vision. It is the most common vision problem and it may occur with nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Astigmatism
Signs and symptoms of Astigmatism

Astigmatism usually causes vision to be blurry at distance as well as near. Patients with astigmatism often feel tired after reading and find that letters and words appear to be slanted. Squinting and tilting the head seems to improve vision distortion caused by astigmatism.


Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism is caused by the cornea having an oblong shape, like a football, instead of spherical shape, like a basketball. A cornea with astigmatism has two curves, one flat curve and one that is steep. Light is then focused at two points instead of one. One point of focus may be in front of the retina and the other behind. This causes images to appear distorted in addition to appearing blurry. Astigmatism may also be caused by an irregularly shaped crystalline lens. This condition is termed “lenticular astigmatism.”


Diagnosing Astigmatism

Astigmatism is diagnosed by an eye examination with your optometrist who may also measure the curvature of the cornea for more detailed measurement of astigmatism.


Treatment of Astigmatism

Astigmatism may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery.

Glasses:

Glasses work well with patients with astigmatism. Patients with high amounts of astigmatism must have their glasses carefully adjusted to their face.


Contact lenses:

Contact lenses that correct astigmatism are called toric contact lenses. Patients with large amounts of astigmatism have greater success with rigid gas permeable contact lenses.


Surgery:

Surgical vision correction procedures and an incision procedure, known as astigmatic keratotomy, can also successfully correct astigmatism



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