Astigmatism is a refractive problem that occurs in approximately one in three people. Although there are a host of potential symptoms, many can go undetected until an eye exam is administered. Let’s take a look at five common symptoms of astigmatism in order to help determine if you may be experiencing signs of astigmatism.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the eyeball is oval-shaped instead of the usual spherical shape. There are two basic types: corneal and lenticular. With either type, near and far vision is blurry due to the irregular shape of the eye.
Symptoms of astigmatism
The symptoms of astigmatism can differ from person to person, and some may not have any symptoms at all. It is important to get a comprehensive eye exam done in order to detect and properly diagnose astigmatism.
Are you experiencing vision problems? Here are five common symptoms of astigmatism:
- Eyestrain or squinting
- Headaches
- Eye discomfort
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
If you find that you have any of those symptoms, it is important that you see an optometrist to find out what is causing them. Regularly-scheduled eye exams are a vital part of healthy vision and are necessary to diagnose and treat any impairments you may have.
It is also an essential part of a child’s healthcare; many children may not know they are experiencing blurry vision. So, without an eye exam, any underlying issues may not be found.
Treatments
There is no one best way to treat astigmatism. The most appropriate correction is the one that best suits you and your vision needs.
Here are the most common treatments:
- Eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
- Refractive surgery
Eyeglasses and contacts both work by refocusing light on the retina in the back of your eye. There are two main types of contacts for astigmatism: toric soft lenses and rigid gas permeables.
Refractive surgery helps reshape the cornea with a laser in order to adjust how light travels through it. LASIK is the most common refractive surgery procedure.
Our optometrists can discuss the options with you and help determine what treatment is right for you.
Summary
Knowing these five common symptoms of astigmatism can help you determine if you have a more serious vision problem going on. Make sure you are scheduling yearly eye exams in order to diagnose any vision issues and maintain healthy eyes.
Schedule an appointment with your local Mississippi Eye Care clinic today! To learn more about eye care and vision health, continue reading our blogs.
