Astigmatism is a term that often comes up during eye exams, yet many people don’t fully understand what it means. Simply put, astigmatism is a common vision condition that can lead to blurred vision due to the irregular shape of the cornea or the lens inside the eye. Given its prevalence, it’s crucial for residents of Rockville, MD and beyond to be educated about its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options. Eyes On Norbeck, your local expert in eye care, is here to guide you through the ABCs of astigmatism and offer solutions to manage this condition effectively.
Understanding Astigmatism: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Astigmatism distorts or blurs vision for both near and far objects because the eye cannot focus light evenly onto the retina. This is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea that resembles a football more than a spherical baseball. Common symptoms include blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, and struggling with night vision. Early detection through regular eye exams is vital, especially in children, as untreated astigmatism can lead to more severe eye problems, such as lazy eye (amblyopia).
Causes and Risk Factors
While the specific cause of astigmatism is not completely understood, it’s known that it can be a hereditary condition, meaning it can run in families. Moreover, it can be present from birth, develop after an eye injury, or as a result of surgery. In some cases, it’s associated with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea progressively thins and protrudes.
Astigmatism affects people of all ages, including infants and adults. It’s important for Rockville residents to know that regular eye examinations can help detect astigmatism and other eye conditions early.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
The good news is that astigmatism can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Prescription lenses help compensate for the irregular curvature of your cornea or lens, bringing objects back into focus. For those seeking a more permanent solution, LASIK surgery is a popular option. This procedure reshapes the cornea, allowing light to be focused correctly on the retina.
LASIK Surgery
Residents considering LASIK surgery for astigmatism correction should consult with qualified eye care professionals at Eyes On Norbeck. Our experienced team can evaluate your eye condition and determine if you are a candidate for LASIK or another vision correction procedure.
Preserving Eye Health and Vision Quality
Preventing astigmatism is not always possible, but maintaining good eye health can help preserve vision quality. Avoiding eye injury by wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes are important steps.
Embrace Clear Vision with Eyes On Norbeck
At Eyes On Norbeck, we are committed to helping our Rockville community achieve and maintain clear vision. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive eye exams, personalized eyewear solutions, and advanced corrective surgeries for astigmatism and other vision impairments.
Don’t let astigmatism blur your view of the world. Schedule your appointment with us today to explore your treatment options and step into a clearer, brighter future. For more information or to book an appointment, call us at (301) 238-7199 or fill out our online form.
