The Facts of Astigmatism

Have you heard of astigmatism and are wondering what it is exactly? Do you think you might have astigmatism? Our doctors at Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo can answer any and all of your questions regarding astigmatism and how they can help you in solving it. We have provided a few facts about astigmatism to give you a better idea of what it is and how it can be treated.

What is Astigmatism?

Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is a refractive error, meaning it is not an eye disease or eye health problem; it’s simply a problem with how the eye focuses light. In an eye with astigmatism, light fails to come to a single focus on the retina to produce clear vision. Instead, multiple focus points occur, either in front of the retina or behind it (or both). Astigmatism usually causes vision to be blurred or distorted to some degree at all distances. Symptoms of uncorrected astigmatism are eye strain and headaches, especially after reading or other prolonged visual tasks.

Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism is not caused by a health problem or a disease. In fact, astigmatism is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Instead of the cornea having a symmetrically round shape, it is shaped more like a football, with one meridian being significantly more curved than the meridian perpendicular to it.

Types of Astigmatism

There are three main types of astigmatism. Each type can easily be diagnosed by your doctor at Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo.

• Myopic astigmatism. One or both principal meridians of the eye are nearsighted.
• Hyperopic astigmatism. One or both principal meridians are farsighted.
• Mixed astigmatism. One principal meridian is nearsighted, and the other is farsighted.

Astigmatism Treatments

Astigmatism, like nearsightedness and farsightedness, usually can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Take the time to schedule a consultation with your doctor at Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo to discuss all of your options regarding your astigmatism. Glasses, contact lenses, and LASIK will be discussed to provide you with the best option regarding your lifestyle. For more answers regarding your astigmatism please call our office today.