There are a few common refractive errors that affect the eyes. The most common are myopia and hyperopia. Astigmatism is also a common refractive error. The cornea should be round, like a ball. If you have astigmatism, your cornea has misshapen curves and the surface is shaped like an egg. Fortunately, the eye doctors at Child & Family Eyecare in Wichita can help.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Most people who have astigmatism are born with it; therefore, astigmatism in children is relatively common. Astigmatism can also develop after an eye injury, caused by a disease of the eye, and following eye surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?

Astigmatism symptoms can make it very difficult to see without vision correction. The symptoms include:

• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision
• Squinting
• Eyestrain
• Discomfort of the eye
• Trouble seeing at night

How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

Astigmatism can be diagnosed during your annual eye exam. Your optometrist can determine the severity of your astigmatism during the eye exam. There is no specific astigmatism test. Your eye doctor will perform a refraction test to see how your cornea bends in the light. We will also dilate your eyes to get a good look inside to check for any disease or defects of the eye.

What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?

If you aren't careful, your condition can worsen. If you read or do close-up work in front of a dull light, your condition can get worse. Sitting too close to the TV or frequent squinting can also cause your condition to worsen. 

How Is Astigmatism Treated?

There are a few treatment options for this condition. These options include:

• Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are the most common treatment for astigmatism. Your eye prescription would depend on the severity of your condition.
• Contact lenses: Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to eyeglasses. Not only do they provide a more natural appearance, but you don't need to worry about your vision being obstructed by the eyeglass frame or dirty lenses. If you have astigmatism, you would need to be fitted with special lenses called toric lenses.
• Lasik surgery: Lasik is a surgical procedure that gently reshapes your cornea. If you are considering Lasik, your eye prescription can be no higher than 5.00. To be a good candidate, you would also need to be healthy and your eyes would need to be healthy and free of disease. If your vision has been fluctuating over the last year, your optometrist will suggest that you wait to have the procedure.

Contact Our Eye Doctors for Your Astigmatism

If you live in or around Wichita, KS, contact Child & Family Eyecare today. Vision changes can occur very gradually, so much so that only a trained professional can detect certain changes. These changes can only be noticed if the eye doctor uses regularly schedules eye exams once per year. Many eye conditions show no signs or symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred. Take action and call us today at (316) 721-8877 to schedule your eye exam.