What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or, in some cases, the lens inside the eye. A normally shaped cornea has a more evenly rounded surface. With astigmatism, the curvature is uneven, which changes how light enters the eye and prevents it from focusing cleanly on the retina.
Astigmatism can occur on its own or alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness. The amount of distortion can vary, which is why some patients barely notice symptoms while others rely on corrective lenses throughout the day.
What Are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?
Astigmatism does not always cause obvious symptoms, especially when it is mild. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
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Blurry or distorted vision
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Difficulty seeing clearly at night
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Squinting to improve focus
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Headaches
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Eye strain
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Trouble with detailed visual tasks
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Glare or halos around lights
These symptoms can overlap with other refractive errors and eye conditions, so an eye examination is the best way to determine what is affecting vision.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism usually relates to the eye’s natural shape and is often present from birth. It may run in families and can change over time as the eye develops.
In some cases, astigmatism may also be associated with corneal changes caused by injury, surgery, or conditions such as keratoconus. Because the cause and severity can vary, treatment should be based on a detailed evaluation, not symptoms alone.
How Is Astigmatism Corrected?
Several options can improve vision affected by astigmatism. The right option depends on the prescription, corneal shape, eye health, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Glasses are one of the simplest ways to correct astigmatism. Contact lenses may also be used, including toric lenses designed specifically for irregular focusing. Patients with more complex corneal shapes may benefit from specialty contact lenses, including rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses.
For eligible adults, laser vision correction may also be an option. LASIK and PRK can reshape the cornea to improve how light is focused. A detailed evaluation is especially important for patients with thin corneas, higher prescriptions, or irregular astigmatism.
Can Astigmatism Be Treated Along With Other Vision Problems?
Yes. Astigmatism often occurs with nearsightedness or farsightedness, and treatment can often address more than one refractive error at the same time.
For patients considering cataract surgery, astigmatism may also influence lens selection and surgical planning. For those exploring laser vision correction, corneal mapping and other measurements help determine whether LASIK, PRK, or another approach is appropriate.
Siepser Eyecare also considers ocular surface health during vision correction planning. Dry eye can affect visual quality and testing accuracy, so patients with symptoms may benefit from evaluation through the practice’s Dry Eye Center before or after treatment.
Why Choose Siepser Eyecare for Astigmatism?
Siepser Eyecare has extensive experience caring for patients with refractive needs that aren’t always straightforward. Steven B. Siepser, M.D., F.A.C.S., has spent decades performing refractive and cataract procedures and is known throughout the Philadelphia region for taking on challenging cases involving high prescriptions, thin corneas, astigmatism, and other complex vision concerns.
The practice also offers broader expertise when astigmatism requires a nonsurgical approach. Rocio C. Pasion, O.D., has advanced training in specialty contact lens fitting, including scleral lenses for irregular astigmatism, keratoconus, abnormal corneas, and ocular surface disease. This combination of surgical and nonsurgical experience allows treatment to match each patient’s individual eyes more closely.
Clear vision depends on the eye focusing light evenly, but astigmatism can make that harder. Instead of producing a single sharp focal point, this condition causes light to focus unevenly. The result may be blurry, distorted, or stretched-looking vision at both near and far distances, sometimes along with headaches, squinting, or eye strain.
For patients in Wayne, PA, Siepser Eyecare offers evaluation and treatment for astigmatism ranging from mild refractive errors to more complicated cases. Steven B. Siepser, M.D., F.A.C.S., is known for treating vision problems that may require a more customized approach, including patients with high prescriptions, thin corneas, or other factors that can affect vision correction. Identifying the type and degree of astigmatism helps guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Astigmatism can affect vision in several ways, but it can often be corrected once the source and severity are identified. Siepser Eyecare provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for patients with simple and complex refractive errors in Wayne, PA. Call Siepser Eyecare at (610) 265-2020 to schedule a consultation and discuss the options available for clearer, more comfortable vision.
Improve Blurry Vision From Astigmatism in Wayne, PA
Astigmatism can affect vision in several ways, but it can often be corrected once the source and severity are identified. Siepser Eyecare provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for patients with simple and complex refractive errors in Wayne, PA. Call Siepser Eyecare at (610) 265-2020 to schedule a consultation and discuss the options available for clearer, more comfortable vision.