Astigmatism FAQs
You may be aware of what nearsightedness and farsightedness is, but perhaps you’d like to learn more about astigmatism. Prior to visiting Dr. Kelly Chambers and Dr. John Mertzluft at Family EyeCare at Westchase in Tampa, FL, for treatment, we invite you to keep reading to learn about some frequently asked questions regarding astigmatism and how it can be corrected.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a condition that causes images to appear blurry or distorted. You can have astigmatism and not be farsighted or nearsighted, or your can have astigmatism with either condition, and sometimes both.
Astigmatism is caused by an uneven curvature on the cornea, which is the protective clear covering at the front of your eye. If you don't have astigmatism, your cornea is round like a baseball. However, if you do have the condition, it might look more like a football. Any light that enters your eye should be focused on one spot at the back of your eye. With astigmatism, the light is focused on multiple locations at the back of your eye.
Do I really have to have astigmatism corrected?
Astigmatism is a common condition, and about one out of three Americans has some degree of this refractive error. Not everyone wears glasses or uses contacts for sharper vision. However, without vision correction for astigmatism, you may be more prone to headaches and eyestrain.
How can my optometrist treat astigmatism?
While you can purchase reading glasses at a store, you can’t buy glasses off the shelf to correct astigmatism. You will need an eye exam from our optometrist, who will use an instrument called a keratometer to measure the curvature of your cornea. Then, we will use that information to prescribe lenses for glasses or custom contacts, which will compensate for the irregularities on the surface of your cornea. Certain cases of irregular astigmatism can't be corrected with glasses, but they can be corrected with rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
Contact us for Treatment Today!
If you have astigmatism or are experiencing symptoms of the condition, our team at Family EyeCare at Westchase in Tampa, FL, can help. We will examine your eyes and create a personalized treatment plan that will provide you with sharper vision. Contact us at (813) 814-2020 to schedule your appointment today!