It can be scary to hear that you have an eye condition you have never heard of before, especially if the word “progressive” comes into play. However, conditions like astigmatism can be treated successfully by your eye doctor, helping you to protect your visual acuity. Here are a few common questions about astigmatism and why you shouldn’t worry. 

Your Astigmatism Questions Answered

What is astigmatism? 

Like other refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is caused because of shape irregularities with the eye. Astigmatism is typically caused when the front of your eye is curved differently from top to bottom as it is side to side. Unfortunately, if left untreated, astigmatism can continue to become worse, compromising your vision. 

What causes astigmatism? 

Astigmatism can be hereditary or caused by eye injuries, certain diseases, or surgeries. Astigmatism can also be caused by a visual disorder called keratoconus, which occurs because of eye rubbing. Certain lifestyle choices, such as sitting too close to a television or reading in low-light situations, won’t make astigmatism worse. 

What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

Symptoms of astigmatism include headaches, eye strain, difficulty seeing at night, squinting, and blurred distorted vision. Sometimes, people who have the condition may experience uneven blurriness because of the irregularities of their eye shape. For instance, when looking at a clock, some of the numbers may be blurry, while others are clear. 

How can astigmatism be corrected?

Astigmatism can be corrected using glasses, contacts, or vision correction surgery. Glasses used to correct the condition may contain thicker parts of the lens in certain places to correct the disorder, and new contacts made for astigmatism have weighted sides that rotate into the proper alignment to correct blurriness. 

To determine the best course of treatment, your eye doctor will recommend starting with an eye exam. During this simple appointment, your eye doctor may map the topography of your eye using a corneal topographer or a keratometer. 

Anytime you suspect that you are living with vision problems, it is essential to turn to the professionals at Joseph Van Keuren OD. Based out of Elyria, OH, this trusted eye doctor can help with everything from allergies and dry eye to blurry vision and astigmatism. To find out more about how he can help, visit his website, or give his office a call at (440) 365-2021.