Astigmatism: Causes and Treatment

A common cause of people’s blurry vision is astigmatism. This refractive error happens when light unevenly bends as it enters your eye. Astigmatism can make it hard to see things up close or far away. At New Sights Eyecare in Houston, TX, our eye doctor can give you an exam and prescribe corrective contact lenses or eyeglasses to improve your vision. We offer eye care with compassion to ensure your eye and vision health is strong for years to come. We are here to talk with you about astigmatism and how we can treat it.

Signs of Astigmatism

Blurry vision is among the most common signs that you have astigmatism. You may also have difficulty seeing things that are up close or far away. Other signs of this vision problem include headaches, fatigue, and eye strain. You might also have astigmatism if you squint to see clearly or see halos around lighting. You should visit an optometrist near you if you have any of these signs of astigmatism.

Astigmatism Causes

Astigmatism is often an inherited condition, but you can also develop it if you have excess pressure on your corneas from your eyelids. Astigmatism is when the cornea or lens has a different shape than normal, usually an egg shape rather than a spherical one. Eye injuries and other conditions can also cause astigmatism, although this is not as common.

Diagnosing Astigmatism

The best way to diagnose astigmatism is by visiting an optometrist near you. Your optometrist can conduct an eye exam and perform tests to check your vision. These tests may include a visual acuity test, a refraction test to see how light bends inside your eye, and a keratometry test to measure the curve of your corneas. Your eye doctor might conduct a slit lamp exam to examine your eye in greater detail. Your optometrist will then offer treatment options for your astigmatism.

Treatments for Astigmatism

The most common form of treatment for astigmatism is through corrective lenses, such as contact lenses or eyeglasses. You may not need these for mild cases of astigmatism, but this condition often worsens over time, so your optometrist might recommend prescription lenses to help you see clearly. Regular eye exams can help our eye doctor catch any changes in your vision and prescribe corrective lenses or update your prescription as needed. You should have your eyes checked as often as your optometrist recommends based on your age and underlying health conditions.

Vision correction surgery is another type of treatment for astigmatism. LASIK surgery is a common form of vision correction surgery that uses a laser to change the shape of your cornea. Your optometrist will discuss treatment options with you when you visit for an eye exam.

Schedule an Eye Exam With an Optometrist Near You in Houston, TX

Astigmatism can make it challenging to see things up close or far away and can significantly impact your quality of life, so contact New Sights Eyecare in Houston, TX, to get the treatment you need to see clearly. We offer eye care with compassion and several treatments to keep your eyes healthy and vision strong. Call us and schedule an eye exam today at (281) 469-3400.