Many people have a good understanding of nearsightedness and farsightedness, but astigmatism is more challenging. At Urias Eyecare, we treat patients with many eye conditions, including astigmatism. If you have concerns about astigmatism and live in Midland, Odessa, Andrews, or the surrounding areas, contact Urias Eyecare to schedule an appointment with Dr. Urias.
Causes of Astigmatism
An irregularly shaped cornea is the cause of astigmatism. The cornea's curvature in regular patients is sphere-shaped, but it is more elliptical with astigmatism. The irregularity is caused by certain genetic factors, excessive pressure on the eyes, or injuries in some cases. It is possible to find abnormalities in one or both of the eyes.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurry vision. Patients with astigmatism will experience blurry vision, regardless of how far away an object is located. Other common symptoms of astigmatism are headaches, fatigue, and eye discomfort. These symptoms result from your eyes overcompensating for not being able to see clearly. Patients also report a lot of squinting and tension headaches.
Diagnosing Astigmatism
This condition is easy to diagnose. Some of the tests we use include:
- Measuring the acuity of your eyes by having you read from a chart
- Measuring the curvature of your cornea by shining a light on it
- Determining how your lenses focus light
Treating Astigmatism
There are a variety of treatment options to keep your astigmatism under control. Eyeglasses, contact lenses and LASIK eye surgery are standard treatments used for this condition. Our optometrist will discuss your options and determine the best method based on your preferences. Since the cornea has an irregular shape, you cannot correct astigmatism with standard soft contact lenses. Some contact lens options for correcting astigmatism include:
- Hard Lenses - They are smaller in size and less stable on the eye, but provide excellent correction.
- Scleral Contacts - These types of lenses are often recommended to treat astigmatism because of their larger size and unique design. They sit directly on the white part of the eyes.
Contact Urias Eyecare for Astigmatism Treatment
If you are experiencing issues with your vision and suspect you may have astigmatism, contact Urias Eyecare to schedule an appointment with Dr. Urias. We will perform a comprehensive eye exam and determine what is affecting your vision. If you live in or around Midland, Odessa, or Andrews, call our team today at (432) 368-4102 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
