Understanding the Nature of Astigmatism
Those with astigmatism are best compared to an adjustable lens camera where the focus isn’t working right. You see detail, but it doesn’t focus right. Street lights will flare or stretch unnaturally, especially when looking at them directly. The issue is the eye shape, because light can’t focus right via the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
Astigmatism Types
The primary problem with astigmatism involves the uneven shape of the eye. Where your eyeball should round it like a ball, the focal end is poked out more like the narrow end of a football. This shape causes an uneven cornea spread, and the light coming in doesn’t bend correctly. As a result, your unfocused vision translates to the brain. This warping of the cornea is an eye condition known as corneal astigmatism.
If, on the other hand, the eye lens is distorted, then the eye condition is instead referred to as lenticular astigmatism, and the correction is the lens itself versus the cornea.
Confirming an Eye Condition
An eye doctor will apply a comprehensive eye exam on a patient to confirm there aren’t other causes for an inability to focus correctly. Once other possibilities are ruled out, the visual acuity will be measured to identify how much the cornea or lens is curving. Finally, with all the measurements, the eye doctor can determine which solutions would be best for a treatment approach.
Treatment Approaches
The most traditional treatment method for astigmatism is to prescribe eyeglasses with lenses specific for correcting the symptoms of the eye condition. In addition, eye contacts are recommended, but severe cases may make it impossible to use contacts versus glasses.
There are several contact lenses, and depending on your eye condition, our eye doctor may prescribe one or the other to address specific challenges. Soft contact lenses, for example, are used to match eye shapes. Gas-permeable contact lenses provide far better focus, but the fit can irritate some. Hybrid contact lenses are a mix of the first two to try and have the best of both worlds.
Optometry and Eyecare Support in Tukwila, WA
Patients in the Tukwila, WA, region have the advantage of the South Center Eye Clinic for astigmatism treatment, a related eye exam for solutions, and the professional expertise of our optometrist team.
Our eyecare approach is personal and designed to match the right treatment to your lifestyle. As a result, our patients keep coming back for regular checkups and optometrist help year after year. Find out why, and call us at (206) 431-8770 for your first appointment.
