When you or your child visits the eye doctor, it can be scary to hear words like “astigmatism” used, especially if you haven’t heard the expression before. However, this condition is incredibly common. The guide below explains more about it and how it’s treated. 

What Is an Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused when the cornea of the eye is strangely shaped or curved. Commonly found alongside other refractive vision problems, astigmatisms can keep light from focusing properly inside the eye, contributing to fuzzy vision and headaches. 

Eye doctors may use retinoscopy and automated refraction to test for the issue. In some instances, astigmatisms can continue to get worse as people get older, which is why having the problem addressed early on is so valuable, especially for school-aged children who may have trouble seeing the board or reading for long periods without treatment.

How Can Eye Doctors Improve Astigmatism?  

Fortunately, eye doctors can help with astigmatism the same way they treat other refractive eye problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Glasses and contacts can improve the way that light enters the eye, sharpening your vision. Additionally, a special procedure called orthokeratology may be used to gradually shape the eye, using a progressive series of rigid contact lenses.

While orthokeratology can be a permanent solution for correcting astigmatism, some patients don’t tolerate it well. Fortunately, LASIKⓇ eye surgery can also be used to reshape the cornea and correct the problem. 

Whether you have been diagnosed with astigmatism or you think your vision has changed recently, consider scheduling an appointment with the team at Colorado River Eye Care in Bullhead City, AZ. In addition to treating a range of different eye conditions including astigmatism, glaucoma, and cataracts, these professionals have more than 30 years worth of experience and a wide inventory of glasses and contacts available. Visit their website to review their services or give them a call at (928) 758-2020 to set up an appointment with an eye doctor today.