What is Astigmatism and How Can it be Treated?

Regular astigmatism is a very common eye disorder, and many people wear glasses or contacts to correct the blurry vision it causes. Here are some facts about this condition and its related disorder, irregular astigmatism:

What is Astigmatism?

Regular astigmatism results when your eye isn't completely round like it should be. Instead, it is shaped somewhat like a football the back of a spoon. This causes light to bend more toward one direction then others, forcing part of your field of vision to be out of focus.

With irregular astigmatism, light is still bent at improper angles, but it is the cornea that isn't as round as it should be. Instead, its surface or edges are irregular, causing multiple misplaced focal points.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Most people who have regular astigmatism are born with it. It can also be caused by injuries, diseases, and eye surgery.

Those who have irregular astigmatism typically have problems with their corneas. One such problem is keratoconus, which causes the cornea to protrude in a cone shape.

How Your Optometrist Can Help

Your optometrist will give you a comprehensive eye exam to find out whether or not you have astigmatism. If the answer is yes, the optometrist will describe the best type of vision correction according to the details of your condition. Not all people with astigmatism need any vision correction; if yours is very mild, and you have clear vision, you will simply be monitored.

If your vision is blurry, it will need to be corrected. Regular glasses or contacts are usually enough to clear up your vision if you have regular astigmatism. However, if you have irregular astigmatism, you will need special contact lenses to correct it. These are often referred to as hard-to-fit contact lenses. There are several varieties of these, and the ones that will be used will depend on your specific condition.

Contact Your West Des Moines Optometrist Today

If you have blurry vision, don't just put up with it. Visit us here at Lock Family Eye Care for an exam. Our optometrist in West Des Moines will then prescribe the appropriate corrective measures to get your vision clear.