Astigmatism is a common eye condition that many people might not fully understand. If you’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism or just want to learn more about what it means for your vision and how it can be treated, this post will guide you through the essentials. At Downtown Eyes in Minneapolis, MN, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services, including managing astigmatism effectively.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, has an irregular shape. This irregularity can prevent light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision at any distance. Contrary to a perfectly round cornea that directs light to a single focal point on the retina, an astigmatic eye has a shape more like a football, distributing light to multiple points and thus, blurring vision.

Causes of Astigmatism

While the exact cause of astigmatism isn’t always clear, it’s often present from birth and can be attributed to genetics. In some cases, it can develop after an eye injury, surgery, or due to certain eye diseases. Unlike the myths, habits like reading in poor light or sitting too close to the television have been debunked as potential causes.

Symptoms to Watch For

The primary symptom of astigmatism is blurred or distorted vision. However, other signs might include eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty driving at night. Because these symptoms can also be associated with other eye conditions, it’s crucial to have regular eye exams to diagnose astigmatism or any other vision issues you might be experiencing.

Diagnosing Astigmatism

An eye doctor can diagnose astigmatism through a comprehensive eye exam. Tests might include measuring how your eyes focus light (refraction) and checking the curvature of your cornea. Regular eye exams are vital, as they help catch astigmatism early, especially in children, to prevent further vision complications.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, astigmatism can be easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery options like LASIK. The best treatment depends on the severity of astigmatism and your personal preference. In some cases, if astigmatism is mild, your eye doctor may suggest no treatment unless it causes vision problems.

Vision Correction Surgeries

For those looking for a more permanent solution, refractive surgery such as LASIK can reshape the cornea, correcting the vision impairment caused by astigmatism. This option is usually recommended for adults with stable vision and offers a significant improvement in vision quality.

Protecting Your Vision

For individuals with astigmatism, certain lifestyle adjustments like avoiding eye rubbing can help prevent the condition from worsening. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring changes in your vision and ensuring your corrective lenses or treatment methods remain effective.

How Downtown Eyes Can Help

At Downtown Eyes, located in the heart of Minneapolis, we understand the importance of precise and individualized eye care. Our team is equipped to diagnose astigmatism and offer tailored solutions to meet your unique vision needs. Whether you’re considering corrective lenses or thinking about LASIK, we’re here to provide expert guidance and support.

Ready to Address Your Astigmatism?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of astigmatism or it’s time for your regular eye exam, Downtown Eyes is here to help. Our comprehensive eye care services aim to ensure optimal vision health for our clients. To schedule an appointment, you can contact us at our Minneapolis location: (612) 333-3937 or our Crosstown-Richfield location: (612) 869-1333. You can also get in touch with us by completing our online form.