Astigmatism Treatment with our Fair Lawn Optometrists

Astigmatism is such a common condition that it is said that almost everyone has it to some degree. A diagnosis, however, typically only occurs when it is present to such an extent that it affects vision.

What is Astigmatism?

This is a condition that involves the presence of two or more focal points inside the eye instead of the usual single point. Typically, none of these points land directly on the retina like they should. The result is blurry vision at both near and far distances.

The cause of the multiple focal points is irregularity in the shape of the cornea. With regular astigmatism, there are two points that are created by this anomaly. Irregular astigmatism creates more than two focal points.

How Can an Optometrist Diagnose Astigmatism?

First, your visual acuity is tested using standard equipment. These tests check both close-up and distance vision. If the results show that you have problems seeing at all distances, your eyes will then be checked with a keratometer to measure the curvature of your corneas. This is often all that is needed to reveal astigmatism, but sometimes, your corneas will also be checked with an instrument to determine their topography. Such testing will reveal bulges and other such anomalies.

Treatment

Often, glasses will be enough to correct your vision. If you wear contacts, you may be prescribed Toric lenses, which better follow the curves of astigmatic corneas.

If you like to wear contacts but normal ones won’t work, you may be prescribed lenses from a category known as “hard-to-fit contact lenses.” Toric lenses fall into this category, but if they don’t work, you still have options. Scleral contact lenses, for example, are made with a dome shape to vault over, instead of rest on, your corneas. They’re a bit wider than the usual lens so that they can rest on the edge of the white part of your eye (the sclera) just outside the iris.

In some cases, LASIK or other eye surgery can be used as well. Ask your doctor about these options if they are of interest to you.

Sometimes, astigmatism arises as a symptom of another condition, such as keratoconus. If you have this or another eye disease, treatments for that condition will be suggested as well.

Learn More About Astigmatism From Our Fair Lawn Eye Professionals

Here at Resident Eye Care Associates, we have several optometrists on staff. Contact us today to get astigmatism diagnosis and treatment today at (201) 797-2747.