Astigmatism is a common vision issue caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea. It most often produces blurry vision that can be corrected with proper eye care. If you have astigmatism, you are not alone—most people have it to some extent. The guide below explains what causes it and how professional treatments can help.

What Is Astigmatism?

A normal cornea is round in shape, but astigmatism makes it more egg-shaped, which gives it a different degree of curvature. These imperfections make the eye less able to narrow incoming light to a single point and create a clear picture.

Astigmatism has a few known causes. In most cases, it is a natural change that comes with eyes, but it can also be a precursor to cataracts, which develop when the eye’s lenses become cloudy. Astigmatism is also connected to injuries and certain types of eye surgery. In rare instances, it can be a sign of keratoconus, an eye disease the causes a progressive thinning and misshaping of the cornea. Regardless of the cause, astigmatism is characterized by unclear vision.

How Can an Eye Doctor Help?

An eye care professional can identify astigmatism during an exam and prescribe the most appropriate course of treatment.

Most cases of astigmatism are corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. In more serious instances, such as those that aren’t fixed with prescription eyewear, an eye doctor might prescribe special contact lenses that help the cornea achieve a rounder curvature. LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), which both remove deficient corneal tissue, can help correct astigmatism as well.

If you notice signs of astigmatism, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Daniel J. Kroger, OD, has more than 25 years of experience providing quality eye care to patients throughout Butler County, OH. From preventative eye care to ocular disease diagnoses and treatments, Dr. Kroger and his team provide comprehensive vision services in addition to glasses and contact lenses. Call (513) 777-3936 to schedule an appointment, and visit practice online to learn more about your treatment options.