When it comes to vision, various refractive errors can affect clarity and focus. Astigmatism is one such common condition that differs from other refractive errors. It has unique characteristics and needs different treatment approaches. This post from Dr. George Khouri of Palm Beach Eye Center will briefly discuss this condition and its solution.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism affects the eye’s capacity to focus light directly on the retina. It leads to blurred or distorted vision. With astigmatism, the eye has an oblong shape, similar to a football or egg (a normal eye shape resembles a round soccer ball). This irregularity causes light rays to refract unequally in different directions, resulting in blurred vision at all distances.
Astigmatism can occur in addition to other refractive errors such as myopia or hyperopia. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist can be helpful to diagnose and manage astigmatism, preserving optimal visual acuity.
How Is Astigmatism Different From Other Refractive Errors?
Astigmatism differs from other refractive errors in the way it affects vision. Unlike myopia (nearsightedness), which makes faraway objects appear blurry, and hyperopia (farsightedness), which makes objects up close unclear and sometimes also for distance if it is severe enough, astigmatism makes things blurry at any distance. As mentioned, this is caused by the irregular shape of the eye associated with astigmatism, which makes light focus unevenly on the retina.
Furthermore, the correction of astigmatism differs from that of other refractive errors. While myopia and hyperopia can typically be corrected with spherical lenses, astigmatism requires cylindrical lenses or toric lenses.
These specialized lenses have different powers in different meridians to compensate for the irregular corneal shape and provide clear vision. Additionally, the axis (meridian) of the cylindrical lens should align with the axis (meridian) of astigmatism to achieve optimal correction. It makes the fitting process more complex than for other refractive errors.
When astigmatism coexists with myopia or hyperopia, individuals may require lenses that correct multiple refractive errors simultaneously. They can try glasses with cylindrical and spherical components or contact lenses designed for astigmatism.
Despite its unique challenges, astigmatism can be effectively managed with appropriate corrective measures, including glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery like LASIK. Countless patients have entrusted Dr. Khouri with their LASIK treatment and enjoyed life-changing outcomes!
Get the Best Astigmatism Treatment in West Palm Beach, FL
Understanding the differences between astigmatism and other refractive errors can help in accurate diagnosis. If you’re experiencing blurred vision or other symptoms, contact us at 561-366-8300 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Khouri. Don’t let vision problems hold you back.
