Welcome to Summit Eye Surgeons! I’m Dr. Erin Lally, and I’m here to help you better understand your eyes and how to take the best care of them. As a board-certified ophthalmologist, my goal is to ensure that all my patients have access to clear and accurate information about their eye health. Today, I’ll be focusing on common questions many patients have about astigmatism. Specifically, I’ll cover how astigmatism affects vision, the role of toric intraocular lenses, and the available options for correcting astigmatism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we dive into astigmatism, let’s start by addressing some of the most common questions I get from my patients. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you understand when it’s time to make an appointment, what symptoms to look out for, and what options might be available to help you see more clearly.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism, and how can I tell if I have it?
Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors, and it occurs when the cornea—the front surface of your eye—has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea has an uneven curve, more like a football. This irregular curvature means that light rays entering the eye are not focused evenly on the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye—resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
Astigmatism is extremely common. It’s often present from birth, and it can be accompanied by other refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Many patients with astigmatism may not even notice they have it until they undergo an eye exam, but the symptoms can have a big impact on your quality of life.
The symptoms of astigmatism can vary from person to person, but typically include:
- Blurred or fuzzy vision
- Difficulty seeing fine details (either up close or at a distance)
- Eyestrain, especially after prolonged tasks such as reading or computer work
- Headaches due to eye fatigue
- Squinting to improve clarity
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye examination. Astigmatism can easily be diagnosed during a routine eye check-up, and early diagnosis can prevent discomfort and complications.
What Are My Options for Fixing Astigmatism?
The good news is that astigmatism is very treatable. Depending on your lifestyle, visual needs, and other factors, there are several options available:
- Glasses and Contact Lenses
The most common treatment for astigmatism is the use of glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses, called toric lenses, are designed to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea, allowing light to be focused properly on the retina. Glasses are a simple, non-invasive way to correct astigmatism, and contact lenses are available for those who prefer not to wear glasses. - Refractive Surgery (LASIK or PRK)
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, laser refractive surgery is an excellent option. LASIK and PRK are procedures that reshape the cornea to correct its curvature, reducing or eliminating astigmatism altogether. These surgeries are typically very successful, and many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better without needing glasses or contacts after the procedure. Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK or PRK, so an evaluation is necessary to determine if this option is right for you. - Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
For patients who are also dealing with cataracts, we can correct astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). A toric intraocular lens is specifically designed to correct astigmatism. It works by having different powers in specific meridians of the lens, compensating for the uneven curvature of the cornea. By replacing the natural lens with a toric IOL, we can address both cataracts and astigmatism in a single procedure.
How Does a Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL) Work?
The right option for correcting astigmatism depends on your individual situation, goals, and lifestyle. If you’re comfortable wearing glasses or contacts, that may be the simplest route. For those who want greater freedom from corrective lenses, LASIK or PRK might be worth considering. And if you have cataracts, a toric IOL could be the perfect solution to address both conditions at once.
My role as your ophthalmologist is to help you understand these options and decide which one aligns best with your needs. I take a personalized approach to eye care, because every patient is unique. During a consultation, we can discuss your medical history, your vision goals, and which treatments might be right for you.
Caring for Your Vision
Astigmatism is a common condition, but it doesn’t have to stand in the way of clear, comfortable vision. Whether you choose glasses, contacts, surgery, or a combination of treatments, there are effective solutions available to ensure that you see your best.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, or if you’re wondering about your options for treatment, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment. My team and I are here to provide you with the information and care you need to make informed decisions about your eye health. It’s my goal to help each of my patients achieve the clearest, healthiest vision possible, so you can enjoy all the beauty the world has to offer.
