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Astigmatism Treatment
for Largo, St. Petersburg & Clearwater, FL
Astigmatism results from an imperfect shape in the cornea. Instead of being evenly rounded and curved, the cornea has an irregular or bulging shape. Light is supposed to pass through the cornea and lens in the front of the eye, and come into sharp focus on the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea is irregular, both near and far objects appear blurry. Images may additionally appear distorted.
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Astigmatism Contact Lenses
It’s not known why some eyes are astigmatic and others aren’t. It is possible for astigmatism to develop after a disease or injury affects an eye, or it has gone through surgery. Astigmatism itself is a correctable condition that does not indicate a disease of the eye. The eyesight can usually be corrected with either glasses or special contact lenses.
Contact lenses for astigmatism have different zones in the contact lenses to correct for near or far vision.
These zones may be arranged like concentric circles or the correction for near vision might rest at the bottom of the lens. This last kind of lens is called a toric lens and it is specially designed so the near-vision zone remains properly positioned downward.
Contacts for astigmatism must be carefully fitted to a patient to ensure they fit over the irregularly-shaped cornea and properly correct a person’s vision.
Astigmatism Symptoms
If a person notes these signs, they should consult with their doctor to learn if they are astigmatic:
- Blurry vision
- Some parts of vision are distorted
- Eyestrain or discomfort
- Having to squint to see clearly
- Headaches
Mild astigmatism often develops gradually and goes unnoticed, which is one more reason to keep up with regular eye exams.
Astigmatism Surgery
There are multiple types of surgery that can correct astigmatic vision. The first is astigmatic keratotomy, a procedure that places microscopic cuts in the most steeply-distorted areas of the cornea. This procedure allows the cornea to take on a more evenly-rounded shape.
Astigmatism LASIK
The second type of surgery is LASIK for astigmatism. LASIK is an incredibly precise method of reshaping the cornea. It can be used to correct near vision, far vision or astigmatism. If you and your eyes are in good health, if you do not require a very strong prescription to correct your vision, and your prescription does not change frequently, you are likely to be a good candidate for this surgery.
Please call us to learn more about astigmatism and surgical correction of this problem. In Largo, Florida, you can schedule an appointment with Drs. John Michaelos or one of his world-class colleagues. Call 727-202-2020 today to get started.
Common questions about astigmatism
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Toric contact lenses are made for astigmatism and are designed to stay in the correct position on your eye so they can correct the uneven curve of your cornea. Because the fit matters, these lenses need a careful contact lens evaluation, which Dr. Luis Ortiz, OD, provides at our Largo office.
Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea so light focuses more evenly. You are likely to be a good candidate if you and your eyes are healthy, your prescription is not very strong, and it does not change often. A LASIK evaluation looks closely at your prescription and the shape and health of your cornea to see whether it is a safe choice for you.
Can astigmatism change over time?
Yes, astigmatism can shift gradually over the years, and it can also develop after an eye injury, eye disease, or eye surgery. Astigmatism on its own is not a sign of eye disease, but a prescription that keeps changing deserves a closer look, since conditions like keratoconus can steadily change the shape of the cornea. Regular eye exams keep your glasses or contacts up to date and help catch those changes early.
Who treats astigmatism at St. Michael’s
At St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute in Largo, Florida, Dr. Luis Ortiz, OD handles eye exams, glasses prescriptions and contact lens fittings, and Dr. John Michaelos, our medical director, performs LASIK, PRK and lens-based vision correction for patients who want to rely less on glasses.
