An Overview: Astigmatism
At a Glance:
- Creates blurry or distorted vision at all distances
- Caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea
- May occur alongside myopia or hyperopia
- Can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as eyestrain or discomfort and headaches
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or lens. This imperfection prevents light entering the eye to refract on the retina properly. As a result of this improper refraction, vision is blurred or distorted.
Both close and distant objects appear blurry or distorted to people with Astigmatism but the greater the Astigmatism a person has, the blurrier their vision. People with mild Astigmatism may be bothered by slight blurring or distorted vision regardless of distance, but people with severe Astigmatism can have their vision affected so much that it prevents them from performing their daily activities.
Astigmatism Symptoms May Include:
- Blurry vision or areas of distorted vision
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Squinting to try to see clearly
- Eye discomfort
Astigmatism Treatment
Astigmatism is easily diagnosed by ophthalmologists. Treatments for Astigmatism change the way that light rays are bent when they enter the eye so that they come into a point of focus precisely on the retina. When Astigmatism causes objects to appear blurred or distorted, proper treatment can restore clear vision and make daily activities easier.
Treatment options include:
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses: These wearable tools compensate for the eye’s inability to focus.
- All-Laser-LASIK and PRK: Refractive surgery options utilize lasers to reshape the cornea, changing the way it bends entering light rays.
- Refractive Lens Exchange with Premium IOLs: This treatment involves implanting an introcular lens inside the eye There are a number of astigmatism correcting IOLs available in the market. AT CODET Vision Institute, we focus on three different types of astigmatism correcting IOLs:
- Standard Toric IOL – corrects astigmatism and aims to provide spectacle free vision for distance vision.
- PanOptix Toric IOL – corrects astigmatism and aims to provide spectacle free vision for distance, intermediate, and near vision.
- Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) – the LAL involves conventional introcular lens implantation surgery, while allowing the surgeon to adjust the power of the IOL after the surgery has taken place. This allows the surgeon to correct astigmatism, aims to provide optimal vision at distance, intermediate, and near ranges. Additionaly, the LAL typically produces glare and halo-free vision after surgery.
- Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL): This treatment is reserved for patients with high degrees of Astigmatism or those who are not candidates for refractive surgery.
What is Astigmatism?
A quick and easy look on Astigmatism.
View Video
Learn More
All-Laser-LASIK & PRK
Safe. Sophisticated. Surgical precision. All-Laser-LASIK and PRK offer effective laser vision correction with instant and lasting results.
Learn More
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
Improve your vision after cataract surgery with a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). This lens implant is the most advanced intraocular lens (IOL) available.
Learn More
PanOptix IOL
Renew your vision with the most advanced trifocal lens worldwide to achieve freedom from glasses or contacts across all visual ranges: near, intermediate, and distance.