What Is Astigmatism and How Does It Affect Your Vision?

At Fall River Vision in Fall River, MA, Dr. Christina Herald and our team provide expert diagnosis and treatment of common vision problems like astigmatism. We have a lot of experience with this condition and will help you correct your vision and achieve optimal eye health.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, an eye with astigmatism is shaped more like a football. This irregular curvature causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than on a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Astigmatism can occur alone or in combination with other refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). Many people have some degree of astigmatism, and it's often present from birth, though it can also develop later in life or result from eye injuries or surgeries.

How Astigmatism Affects Your Vision

The impact of astigmatism on your vision can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing fine details, especially in low-light conditions. You might find yourself squinting or tilting your head to see more clearly, which can lead to discomfort and fatigue. In children, uncorrected astigmatism can interfere with learning and development, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection and treatment. When you visit Fall River Vision, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately measure the degree of astigmatism and determine the best course of treatment for each patient.

Astigmatism Treatments

Fortunately, there are several effective options for astigmatism available from an optometrist near you at our Fall River, MA, practice. The most common approach is corrective eyewear, including glasses with specially designed lenses that compensate for the irregular curvature of the eye. For those who prefer not to wear glasses, toric contact lenses are an excellent option, providing clear vision while conforming to the unique shape of your eye. In some cases, especially for higher degrees of astigmatism, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses may be recommended for optimal vision correction. For patients seeking a more permanent solution, refractive surgery options like LASIK can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.

Keep Up with Regular Eye Exams

Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision and eye health, especially if you have astigmatism. At Fall River Vision, Dr. Christina Herald recommends annual check-ups to monitor your astigmatism and ensure your prescription remains up-to-date. These exams also allow us to detect any changes in your eye health early, preventing potential complications and ensuring you maintain the clearest vision possible.

If you're experiencing symptoms of astigmatism or it's been a while since your last eye exam, don't hesitate to reach out to Fall River Vision. Clear, comfortable vision is within reach – schedule your appointment in Fall River, MA, today by calling (508) 673-2370.