Many people who have astigmatism are born with the condition. It can also develop after surgery, an eye injury, or as a result of a disease. Patients notice blurry vision that may seem like eyestrain. An exam must be done to diagnose the problem.
What is Astigmatism?
A normal human eye is round in shape. Light enters it and can bend evenly, providing our brains with a clear view of the world. People with astigmatism have an irregularly shaped eye. For some, the eyeball may be shaped like a football or the back of a spoon. Light can still enter, but the shape causes it to bend differently. This alters the picture seen by the brain and can cause vision to appear wavy or blurry.
How to Treat Astigmatism
Most astigmatism cases can be treated with contacts or glasses. Slight astigmatism may require no treatment at all. There are two common methods used to correct the condition.
- Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery is a laser procedure that physically changes the cornea’s shape. Your ophthalmologist can discuss the right type of refractive surgery for you based on your eye shape and needs. Patients must have healthy eyes before the procedure with no corneal scars or retina irregularities.
- Corrective Eyewear
An eye doctor may recommend eyewear in the form of glasses or contact lenses. These will bend light for your eyes so that your brain can interpret a clear picture. Most cases are prescribed toric contacts, but severe cases may require gas-permeable rigid lenses.
If you have questions about astigmatism treatment, contact your Eye Michigan ophthalmologist today to schedule an appointment.
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