Excellence in Eye Care

Astigmatism Treatment


  • Treat Your Astigmatism with Curtis Vision

    Astigmatism is a common eye condition characterized by the eye’s inability to focus, causing blurred vision. It’s caused by an irregular curvature on the surface of the cornea (corneal astigmatism) or the lens of the eye itself (lenticular astigmatism). 

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  • What is astigmatism? 

    Causes

    Astigmatism commonly develops with age but it’s common for patients to be born with it as well. It can be accompanied by near-sightedness or far-sightedness, causing uneven, blurry vision. 


    Diagnoses

    The symptoms of astigmatism include difficulty reading & focusing on print, especially if it causes headaches, tiredness, and poor concentration. To properly diagnose astigmatism, schedule a vision test with our Curtis Vision optometrists.

    Treatment

    Once we determine the severity of your condition, we’ll discuss all of the treatment options available to you. These are the most common treatment courses:

    • Prescription Glasses - effective at treating most cases of astigmatism and may only be required when reading or focusing on specific tasks
    • Contact Lenses - soft or rigid contact lenses are effective treatment options for moderate cases, where the lens reshapes the irregularly curved cornea or lens
    • Refractive Surgery - surgeries like LASIK, PRK, and LASEK can permanently reshape your cornea, treating the condition once and for all

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is astigmatism?

    Astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea or lens is curved unevenly, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances.

     
    What causes astigmatism?

    Astigmatism occurs due to an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. It can be present from birth or develop over time and may occur alongside other refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (far-sightedness).

    What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

    Common symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, difficulty seeing clearly at night, eye strain, headaches, squinting, and fatigue after tasks that require focus, such as reading or using a computer.

    How is astigmatism diagnosed?

    Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Tests such as visual acuity measurements, corneal topography, and refraction assessments help determine the presence and severity of the condition.

    Can astigmatism be cured?

    It cannot be cured just by wearing contacts or glasses. But refractive surgeries are the best permanent solution to astigmatism, though they can’t quite offer a full cure. 

    Can astigmatism be corrected?

    Yes, astigmatism can be effectively corrected using:

    • Glasses: Lenses designed to address the irregular curvature of the cornea.
    • Contact lenses: Toric or gas-permeable lenses specifically for astigmatism.
    • Refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK or PRK): Procedures that reshape the cornea for long-term correction.

    What is the best way to treat astigmatism?

    Though it depends on the severity of your condition, corrective contacts and eyeglasses are the preferred treatment method for most cases of astigmatism.

    What is the difference between regular and irregular astigmatism?

    Regular astigmatism: The curvature is symmetrical, and light focuses unevenly on the retina. This type is commonly corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

    Irregular astigmatism: The curvature is asymmetrical, often due to conditions like keratoconus or corneal scarring. Specialised contact lenses or surgical interventions are usually required.

    Can astigmatism worsen over time?

    Astigmatism can change over time, particularly during childhood and adolescence as the eyes develop. In adults, it generally remains stable, but certain eye conditions or injuries may cause changes.

    Is astigmatism hereditary?

    Yes, astigmatism often runs in families. If you have a family history of the condition, it’s important to have regular eye exams to monitor for its development.

    Does astigmatism cause headaches?

    Yes, uncorrected astigmatism can lead to eye strain, which may result in frequent headaches, especially after prolonged visual tasks like reading or using digital devices.

    Can astigmatism affect night vision?

    Astigmatism can make it more difficult to see clearly at night, leading to issues such as glare, halos around lights, and poor depth perception in low-light conditions.

    Is astigmatism the same as a lazy eye?

    No, astigmatism and lazy eye (amblyopia) are different conditions. However, severe uncorrected astigmatism in one eye can lead to amblyopia, as the brain may begin to favour the clearer vision of the other eye.

    Can children have astigmatism?

    Yes, children can have astigmatism. Early detection is crucial as untreated astigmatism can interfere with their ability to learn and develop normal vision. Regular eye exams are important, especially if there is a family history of the condition.

    Can astigmatism be prevented?

    Astigmatism cannot be prevented as it is primarily due to the natural shape of the cornea or lens. However, regular eye check-ups ensure early detection and appropriate correction to maintain clear vision.

    When should I see an optometrist about astigmatism?

    You should see an optometrist if you experience blurred vision, frequent headaches, eye strain, or difficulty seeing at night. Regular eye exams are recommended for everyone, regardless of symptoms, to monitor eye health and vision.

    Book Your Astigmatism Test

  • We recommend that you have a routine comprehensive eye examination every two years to ensure your eye health and that any necessary optical correction is updated or provided for your daily needs.  Request an appointment for a comprehensive eye examination today!
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