Astigmatism

Up to 1 in 3 people have astigmatism, a condition that causes blurred vision. At Corona Vision Center in Corona, California, the experienced optometrists specialize in diagnosing and treating astigmatism in people of all ages. If you regularly find yourself squinting or have difficulty driving at night, seek treatment. Call Corona Vision Center today for an astigmatism consultation, or book your appointment online. 

I have blurred vision. Is it astigmatism?

It’s likely. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error that affects the way light enters your eye. Usually, the cornea in the eye is round, like a sphere. But if you have astigmatism, the cornea is more football-shaped, causing the light that enters it to bend unevenly.

Astigmatism affects people of all ages. If you’ve recently noticed a change in your vision, make an appointment at Corona Vision Center.

Does astigmatism present symptoms?

Astigmatism symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Eyestrain
• Squinting to see clearly
• Halos around lights
• Difficulty driving at night

Some children with astigmatism don’t notice a problem. If you see your child rubbing their eyes or squinting more frequently than usual, schedule a pediatric eye exam.

What causes astigmatism?

Astigmatism occurs for various reasons. Usually, it’s due to genetics and runs in families. At other times, it’s caused by the eyelids putting excess pressure on the cornea. Rarely, astigmatism comes from an underlying health problem, like an eye injury or complications following eye surgery.

When should I see an optometrist for astigmatism?

Make an appointment at Corona Vision Center if you notice your vision getting significantly worse or blurry. That’s particularly true if your symptoms are worse at night and interfere with your ability to drive or do other routine tasks. 

How does an optometrist diagnose astigmatism?

Your Corona Vision Center provider diagnoses astigmatism during a comprehensive eye exam. 

First, they check your visual acuity. They have you try to identify letters on a chart that is on the other side of the room. 

They also complete a refraction test to see how light bends when it enters your eye, and a slit-lamp test to examine the tissues at the back of your eye. Last, your provider does keratometry, which measures your cornea’s curve.

How does an optometrist treat astigmatism?

Treatment of astigmatism depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you have mild astigmatism, your provider recommends a “watch and wait” approach. If your symptoms affect your normal routine, your provider prescribes eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

Some people with astigmatism choose to undergo vision correction surgery, like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Your provider refers you to an ophthalmologist if you’re interested in this treatment approach.

Call Corona Vision Center today to schedule treatment for astigmatism, or book your appointment online.