Astigmatism Treatment in Newton Square
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is irregularly shaped or sometimes because of the curvature of the lens inside the eye.
Astigmatism is an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. The surface of the cornea is shaped more like a football instead of round like a basketball and the eye is unable to focus light rays to a single point. In this case, vision becomes out of focus at any distance. In addition, the curvature of the lens inside the eye can change, resulting in an increase or decrease in astigmatism. This change frequently occurs in adulthood and can precede the development of naturally occurring cataracts.
Astigmatism frequently occurs with other vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Together, these vision conditions are referred to as refractive errors because they affect how the eyes bend or “refract” light.
Causes & Risk Factors
• Hereditary and is usually present from birth.
• May develop following an eye injury or eye surgery.
• It can occur due to a relatively rare condition called keratoconus in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone-shaped.
• It can decrease or increase over time.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
• Blurred or distorted vision at any distance.
• Eye discomfort.
• Headaches.
• Eyestrain.
• Squinting.
• Difficulty driving at night.
Diagnosis
An Eye Doctor can diagnose astigmatism through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing for astigmatism measures how the eyes focus light and determine the power of any optical lenses needed to improve vision.
Astigmatism Treatment
• Eyeglasses. People with astigmatism primarily choose eyeglasses to improve their vision. The eyeglasses contain a special cylindrical lens prescription that compensates for astigmatism. This provides additional power in specific parts of the lens. Generally, a single-vision lens is prescribed to provide clear vision at all distances. However, patients over age 40 who have presbyopia may need a bifocal or progressive addition lens.
• Contact lenses. Some people will have better vision with contact lenses rather than eyeglasses. Contact lenses may provide a clearer vision and a wider field of view. However, since contact lenses are worn directly on the eyes, they require regular cleaning and care to safeguard eye health. Standard soft lenses may not be effective in correcting astigmatism. Special toric soft contact lenses can correct for many types of astigmatism. Because rigid gas-permeable contact lenses maintain their regular shape while on the cornea, they can compensate for the cornea’s irregular shape and improve vision for people with astigmatism.
• Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves the fitting of a series of rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea. The patient wears contact lenses for limited periods—such as overnight—and then removes them. People with moderate astigmatism may be able to temporarily obtain clear vision without lenses for most of their daily activities. Orthokeratology does not permanently improve vision. If patients stop wearing the retainer lenses, their vision may return to its original condition.
• Laser and other refractive surgery procedures. Astigmatism can also be corrected by reshaping the cornea through LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). PRK removes tissue from the superficial and inner layers of the cornea. LASIK removes tissue only from the inner layer of the cornea. If you have astigmatism, you have a wide range of options to correct our vision problem.
Prevention
Since astigmatism is an abnormality of the regular anatomy of the eye, there is nothing that can be done to prevent it from occurring. However, as stated above, there are many treatment options.
Schedule an Astigmatism Consultation in Philadelphia, PA
At Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates, we provide expert eye care for patients of all ages. Our experienced ophthalmologist and optometrist will carefully evaluate your vision and recommend the best treatment options to help you see clearly. If you need astigmatism care in Newtown Square, Glen Mills, West Chester, Wayne, Bryn Mawr, Havertown, or Broomall, PA, call us at (610) 347-7672 today to schedule an appointment.