5 Things You Need to Know About Astigmatism Correction

1. Astigmatism Causes Blurred Vision

Astigmatism results when your cornea or the lens inside your eye is irregularly shaped. When the curvature of the lens or the cornea is uneven, light cannot focus properly on the retina, causing blurred vision. This eye condition may be mild and you don't need to worry about astigmatism correction. However, severe cases of astigmatism cause headaches and eye discomfort in addition to blurred vision. Astigmatism usually appears at birth and nearsightedness or farsightedness sometimes accompanies it.

2. Regular Eye Exams Diagnose Vision Problems

Eye tests include visual acuity, refraction and keratometry. Visual acuity measures the smallest letters or numbers you are able to read at a certain distance. A normal reading would be 20/20, or the standard testing distance of 20 feet over the smallest letter size that the patient reads. Refraction determines your eyes focusing power by placing different lenses in front your eyes to see how well they focus to light. Keratometry measures the shape of the cornea or the lens inside your eye. This procedure is helpful for contact lens fittings. Once your optometrist diagnoses astigmatism, discuss with him the vision correction options that suit your lifestyle.

3. Corrective Lenses Are Most Popular

One solution to astigmatism correction is to wear eyeglasses with cylindrical lenses. Made with special lens power, glasses help you see clearly from all directions. Prescription eyeglasses come in many styles, shapes and colors, so you don't have to worry about your appearance while wearing them. Soft toric contact lenses are also available from your ophthalmologist or optometrist. These lenses correct the irregular shape of your cornea and improve your vision. Contact lenses require daily cleaning, so it's important to follow your doctor's care instructions.

4. Special Lenses Provide a Temporary Fix

Doctors sometimes use orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K. Special, rigid contact lenses are placed onto the cornea. For this treatment, he places special, rigid contact lenses onto the cornea and eyesight improves because the lenses retain your eyes by reshaping the cornea. You must wear these retainer lenses overnight or during another time of the day, and then remove them. If your doctor prescribes this method, then you must wear the lenses daily for them to be effective.

5. Refractive Surgery Eliminates Need for Lenses

Two newer correction methods include LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or photorefractive keratectomy. During LASIK surgery, the doctor uses a special cutting instrument called a keratome to cut and an excimer laser to reshape the inner layer of your cornea. Photorefractive surgery removes the outer layer of the cornea, and then uses the laser to adjust the curvature of your cornea. Be aware that refractive surgery is more expensive than traditional astigmatism treatment, and usually not covered by health insurance because it's considered an elective procedure. There are also side effects involved such as dry eyes, glare and double vision, so talk to your doctor to determine if this procedure is right for you.