What Is Astigmatism?

Your eyes’ baseball-like shape plays a central role in the even distribution of light rays. Any irregularities to its form and structure may compromise how light is bent and focused in your eyes, resulting in refractive errors, particularly astigmatism.

Insight Vision Center Optometry, your trusted provider of orthokeratology services and other quality eye care, discusses things you need to know about astigmatism.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Structural infirmities in some parts of your eyes may lead to astigmatism. This refractive error is actually classified into two categories based on the affected component. Corneal astigmatism occurs when your cornea has an uneven surface. Meanwhile, lenticular astigmatism develops when the natural lenses inside your eyes assume an unusual shape.

These changes interfere with the light-bending and focusing cycles in your eyes. The causes of these structural irregularities are unclear. That said, heredity is a major risk factor. Having relatives that have astigmatism makes you more likely having this refractive error, too. It’s often detected during your younger years.

What Are the Common Symptoms?

Astigmatism causes blurry vision. Whether you’re looking at something near or far, the object seems hazy. You may also notice some distorted regions in your field of vision. As you try to get a better view of your surroundings, you may force your eyes to work harder, leading to frequent episodes of headaches, nausea and eye strain.

What Are the Available Solutions?

Upon confirming astigmatism during your comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor may prescribe corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. We recommend using toric lenses for your eyewear. These special lenses have a sliced donut figure, allowing them to compensate for your eyes’ irregularities. As a result, you’ll have better close and distant visual acuity.

Ortho-k is another effective vision correction option for astigmatism. This method involves wearing special lenses while you’re sleeping. Overnight, the lenses gently reshape your cornea, eliminating or at least reducing its surface irregularities. As soon as you wake up, you may remove the ortho-k lenses and enjoy the rest of the day with improved eyesight.

For more information about astigmatism, call us at (714) 486-3315. You may also complete our form to schedule an appointment. We serve Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and the surrounding California areas.