Understanding Astigmatism: Corrective Options Include LASIK Eye Surgery
Astigmatism affects millions of Americans.
Most individuals have some degree of astigmatism, but may never know it unless their vision is affected.
For those unaffected by a small amount of astigmatism, treatment is unnecessary.
However, for patients suffering from the effects of astigmatism, a few treatments are available to alleviate or permanently fix the issues astigmatism causes.
Let's discuss the condition and review how eye care specialists treat patients via glasses, contacts or LASIK eye surgery.
Astigmatism is an extremely common eye condition that concerns the front, clear cover of the eye, the cornea.
When this part of the eye is irregularly shaped, light cannot properly reach the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
This kind of blurry vision does not change when considering distance vision.
Due to the reduced ability to bend light appropriately, moderate to severe amounts of astigmatism can also cause eye discomfort and headaches.
In many cases, farsightedness or nearsightedness accompanies astigmatism, further affecting both eyes' capability to refract light.
Eye care specialists check for astigmatism during a comprehensive eye examination.
Using knowledge and technolgoy, an eye care doctor analyzes patient factors such as:
While these two forms of treatment maximize many patients' visual ability, some individuals undergo PRK or blade free LASIK eye surgery for permanent vision correction.
Because LASIK eye surgery reshapes corneal tissue after creating a small flap, light can once again fully reach the retina and correctly refract.
Permanent corneal reshaping improves vision after a patient's eye adjust to the changes.
Because every patient's eyes are different, it is essential to visit a reputable eye care specialist for a comprehensive examination.
In addition to an annual checkup, an eye care doctor can easily determine whether or not you have astigmatism.
If you do, they can effectively pinpoint what form of treatment best suits your specific condition.
Most individuals have some degree of astigmatism, but may never know it unless their vision is affected.
For those unaffected by a small amount of astigmatism, treatment is unnecessary.
However, for patients suffering from the effects of astigmatism, a few treatments are available to alleviate or permanently fix the issues astigmatism causes.
Let's discuss the condition and review how eye care specialists treat patients via glasses, contacts or LASIK eye surgery.
Astigmatism is an extremely common eye condition that concerns the front, clear cover of the eye, the cornea.
When this part of the eye is irregularly shaped, light cannot properly reach the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
This kind of blurry vision does not change when considering distance vision.
Due to the reduced ability to bend light appropriately, moderate to severe amounts of astigmatism can also cause eye discomfort and headaches.
In many cases, farsightedness or nearsightedness accompanies astigmatism, further affecting both eyes' capability to refract light.
Eye care specialists check for astigmatism during a comprehensive eye examination.
Using knowledge and technolgoy, an eye care doctor analyzes patient factors such as:
- Visual Acuity: Eye care specialists will have you read the letter chart from 20 feet away to determine your visual accuracy.
This will include covering each eye in order to test the accuracy of both the left and right eyes. - Keratometry: Using an instrument called the keratometer, an eye care doctor will measure the curvature of a patient's cornea.
- Refraction: With a phoropter, your doctor will be able to see how well your eyes focus light via a series of lenses.
While these two forms of treatment maximize many patients' visual ability, some individuals undergo PRK or blade free LASIK eye surgery for permanent vision correction.
Because LASIK eye surgery reshapes corneal tissue after creating a small flap, light can once again fully reach the retina and correctly refract.
Permanent corneal reshaping improves vision after a patient's eye adjust to the changes.
Because every patient's eyes are different, it is essential to visit a reputable eye care specialist for a comprehensive examination.
In addition to an annual checkup, an eye care doctor can easily determine whether or not you have astigmatism.
If you do, they can effectively pinpoint what form of treatment best suits your specific condition.