Astigmatism is a common condition that prevents many people from experiencing the full beauty of life. If you’ve been told you have astigmatism, or suspect you might have the condition, this guide from us at Fountain Valley Optometry in Fountain Valley, CA, may help.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a vision issue that is caused by an abnormal curvature of the eye. A normal cornea is round like a ball. This allows the light to pass through the eye properly, keeping the person’s vision intact. With astigmatism, the cornea, or lens, is more oblong. This makes it difficult for the light to pass through the eye properly, which can lead to blurry or distorted vision.
There are two types: corneal and lenticular. Lenticular astigmatism is a condition in which the abnormality occurs in the eye’s lens. Corneal astigmatism occurs when an abnormality occurs in the cornea.
Even with all this knowledge about how astigmatism works, it’s still unknown what causes it. Some people are born with it, while others develop it later in life. Some begin to suffer from astigmatism after an eye injury.
Is It Preventable?
No way to prevent it. It can be important to visit your eye doctor annually to help screen for astigmatism as well as other vision problems. Also, if you notice any changes in your eyesight, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Can It Be Corrected?
The good news is that, even though it’s not preventable, astigmatism can be treated through various means. Prescription eyeglasses are one of the most common ways of doing so, but not the only one. Special contact lenses are also available to help you see well despite living with astigmatism. An optician can help you make the right choice once you have your prescription.
If you’re not overjoyed with the thought of wearing contacts or eyeglasses every day, you do have another option. LASIK surgery is a great choice for many people, as it helps to reshape the cornea. This provides more permanent results and either reduces or eliminates the need to wear lenses. Unfortunately, an optician cannot evaluate you for LASIK. You can discuss LASIK with our eye doctor to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Seek Help from Astigmatism with Your Fountain Valley, CA, Optometrist
Don’t let astigmatism impact your life. Give our team at Fountain Valley Optometry in Fountain Valley, CA, a call today at (714) 210-2393 to schedule an appointment.