Astigmatism

Southern Eye Institute

Board-Certified Ophthalmologists & Board Certified Optometrist located in Houma, LA & Thibodaux, LA

If it’s getting harder to read because the print seems blurry, or if objects in the distance look wavy and are hard to see, you may have a common eye condition called astigmatism. Many people with mild astigmatism may not need glasses or contacts, but if your astigmatism is more pronounced, the skilled team at Southern Eye Institute is ready to correct your vision. If blurred vision is a problem, call the offices in Houma and Thibodaux, Louisiana, or book online to schedule a check-up.

Astigmatism Q & A

What is astigmatism?

For ideal or “perfect” vision, your eyes should be perfectly round. The light coming into your eyes can then focus properly on the retina, producing normal vision.

Astigmatism occurs when the shape of your eye isn’t a round ball, but rather may be slightly odd-shaped, like a cone or a football. If the cornea is misshapen, the light doesn’t bounce off of the retina as it should, so it bends more in one direction than another, producing uneven focus and blurry vision. It’s a common imperfection, as many people have astigmatism. Astigmatism treatment involves vision correction through prescription glasses, contacts, or in extreme cases, surgery.

What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

The main symptom is blurriness. You likely have astigmatism if your vision is blurry when you look at objects that are either near or far away, or both. If your astigmatism is more severe, you may have eyestrain or headaches and find yourself squinting in attempts to see clearly.

Children with astigmatism may not understand that their blurry vision isn’t normal, so all children should receive eye exams. The team recommends adults visit Southern Eye Institute for a check-up every two years, as vision problems tend to develop slowly and may not be apparent in the early stages when they may be most effectively treated.

What is the treatment for astigmatism?

Southern Eye Institute treats eye astigmatism with either glasses or contact lenses. If you prefer contact lenses, and if your astigmatism is mild or moderate, they can prescribe soft contact lenses.

If you have irregular astigmatism, which is more severe, you have a condition called keratoconus. Your cornea is no longer smooth; it’s misshapen. Southern Eye Institute uses special scleral lenses that rest on the outside of your eye and slide over the uneven shape of the cornea. If you’ve had LASIK surgery to correct a more severe case of astigmatism, you likely still need scleral lenses, and they ensure that they’re a perfect fit for your eyes.

To set up a consultation and learn more about treating astigmatism, call Southern Eye Institute or book an appointment online today.

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