Astigmatism is a common vision problem. Family Vision in Clemson, SC, offers comprehensive eye exams and treatment for common eye conditions, including astigmatism.
Astigmatism causes blurry vision. You may also experience headaches, eye strain, and poor night vision. Astigmatism can occur alone or with myopia or farsightedness.
Astigmatism occurs when your cornea isn't completely round. Rather than being round, like a ping pong ball, your cornea is more football-shaped. This changes how light refracts onto the retina, which causes blurry vision.
How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed during an eye exam. The symptoms usually worsen gradually, so you may not notice any vision changes at first.
Our optometrist will perform a vision exam using an eye chart. They may also perform other tests, including autorefractor, which measures how the light is refracted into your eye, and corneal topography, which can reveal the shape of your cornea.
Astigmatism Treatment
There are a few options for astigmatism treatment. These include glasses, contacts, and laser surgery.
Glasses
Glasses are a popular choice for astigmatism treatment. Curved lenses refract light onto your retina properly for clear vision. They work well when you look straight ahead.
However, depending on your astigmatism degree, you may have difficulty with side vision. You may find floors and walls seem tilted. However, this effect should disappear as your eyes adjust to the glasses.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are another option for astigmatism treatment. However, not all types of contacts work for astigmatism.
When you blink, your contacts rotate. If they return to the correct spot, they will correct your vision properly. This is because they must be shaped differently in different areas to correct the refractive error.
If you choose soft contact lenses, you'll need toric lenses. These lenses are designed to return to the same spot after you blink your eyes.
Rigid gas permeable contacts, or RGP lenses, are a good choice for moderate to severe astigmatism. In addition, you can choose to wear these contacts for vision correction during the day.
They can also be used for ortho-k treatment. Ortho-k lenses are worn at night. While you sleep, the lenses reshape your cornea, so you won't need to wear contacts during the day for vision correction.
Laser Surgery
The last option for astigmatism is laser surgery, often known as LASIK surgery. This procedure uses a laser to reshape your cornea, which can permanently correct your vision.
Receive Astigmatism Diagnosis and Treatment at Family Vision
If you have astigmatism or other vision concerns in Clemson, SC, contact us at Family Vision. We offer comprehensive eye exams and treatment for eye conditions, including astigmatism. Call our office at (864) 722-9205 to schedule an appointment.