Astigmatism
   
Astigmatism is a very common disorder and is easily corrected.

Most of us have some degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism results in blurred vision at all distances. It is known as a refractive disorder of the eye.

Refraction is the bending of light. When a light wave enters the eye, it is bent by the cornea as it makes its way through to land on the retina.

The cornea, lens and retina contribute to clear vision at all distances. In astigmatism, vision is blurred due to either an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
Astigmatism

Causes

Lenticular astigmatism is rarer and caused by an irregularly shaped lens. It is associated with diabetes as blood sugar levels can result in a change in the lens’ shape. Corneal astigmatism is much more common and caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. The cornea is normally symmetrical and round, but in astigmatism the cornea can become elongated like a football. This causes the light rays to split in the eye, never achieving a singular point of focus.

Why some people are born with an elongated cornea is unknown. Some studies show that it could be hereditary. Astigmatism is prevalent in premature babies and babies born at a low body weight.

Astigmatism can be caused by injury to the eye and subsequent scarring of the cornea. Some surgeries that can scar the cornea may also cause astigmatism. Keratoconus, a disease of the eye that causes a thinning of the cornea to occur, can cause astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea.


Onset and Treatment
Astigmatism reveals itself early. While slight cases of astigmatism may not need to be corrected, large amounts of astigmatism can cause blurred vision, headaches and eye strain.

People who have myopia, nearsightedness, or hyperopia, farsightedness, are likely to have some degree of astigmatism. Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are all known as refractive disorders as they affect the way that the eye is able to bend, or refract, light rays onto the retina.

A complete eye exam will test for astigmatism. Retinoscopy or an automatic refraction test may be performed to detect astigmatism.
astigmatism eyeglasses
Treatment options for astigmatism include eyeglasses or contact lenses. Orthokeratology is another treatment that involves wearing particular contact lenses that gradually reshape the cornea into its proper dimensions.


Advanced Treatment
Advanced treatments for astigmatism include:
• Laser eye surgery: A surgical procedure where vision is corrected by removing a small part of the eye with a laser. Using a highly focused laser beam, a expert cuts away a bit of eye tissue, flattening the cornea and correcting the focus.

• Astigmatic keratotomy: A surgical procedure where the cornea is reshaped by a surgeon. Tiny cuts are made in the cornea along the steepest curves, refocusing the light that enters the eye to its proper place. This surgery is replacing laser eye surgery as the preferred treatment for high levels of astigmatism.


Diagnosis
A diagnosis of astigmatism can be made during the course of a comprehensive eye exam. A phoropter allows the doctor to show a series of lenses to a patient, switching back and forth between them to determine the best fit for corrective lenses.

A keratometer, a device to measure the curvature of the cornea, may be used as well. Corneal topography is a technologically advanced treatment where computer imaging is used to make a map of the cornea. This map provides the most complete view of the cornea and is used when diagnosing astigmatism, as well as being used to fit contacts to the eye and prepare patients for eye surgery.


Prevention
There is no known way to prevent astigmatism. Maintaining overall health as a means to eye health is always recommended. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A, C and E are key foods for eye health.

Taking frequent breaks while doing close work allows the ocular muscles to unwind and can help ward off eye strain. Try looking off into the distance every ten minutes or so to keep your eyes relaxed. Wearing sunglasses to prevent UV damage to the eyes helps keep vision sharp later in life.


When to see an eye care professional
If you are experiencing headaches, fatigue, eye strain or blurred vision, you may have astigmatism and should be examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Always see an eye care professional immediately if you have any sudden changes in vision. This includes darkening around the edges of your vision, dark spots in front of your eyes, halos around bright lights, a loss of vision in one part of your field of sight or any other noticeable change.
 
Advanced Eye Care's Eye Doctor and Staff Provide
Quality Eye Care and Personalized Service You Can Trust

Advanced Eye care and Contact Lenses

OFFICE HOURS: 
There is $30 fee for no-show or no-call appointments and cancelations less than 48 hours in advance.
MON 10 - 4:30 By Appt Only
TUE 10 - 5:30 By Appt Only
WED Closed
THU 10 - 5:30 By Appt Only
FRI Closed
SAT Closed
SUN Closed





Ready for the next step?  REQUEST YOUR EYE HEALTH
AND VISION EXAMINATION

Advanced Eye Care in Lake Geneva Wisconsin
Dr. Inger Gibson and her experienced, caring eye staff provide personalized 'One-on-One' eye care. Advanced Eye Care has earned their reputations of providing the finest in eye healthcare, eyewear and contact lenses.

We will make every effort to take a complete approach to your eye care. This means that we will take the time to not only understand your eye health and visual needs, but your general health, lifestyle, and dietary habits as well. This is somewhat rare in health care today, but we think you will find it to be a refreshing change.

Seeing 20/20 doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy. Many eye problems can only be detected during a thorough eye exam. Our eye doctor uses the latest innovative diagnostic equipment to detect even the smallest changes in your vision and eye health. We will evaluate your risk factors for diseases of the eye. It's important to know that diseases of the eye can also be an indicator of general health issues.

Schedule your Eye health and Vision appointment today with our experienced eye care providers at Advanced Eye Care in Lake Geneva and give your vision the level of care and attention it deserves!



Advanced Eyecare & Contact Lens Center LLC 154 E Geneva Square Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Phone: (262) 249-1000 Fax: (262) 249-1255

© 2024 All content is the property of Advanced Eyecare & Contact Lens Center LLC ™ & assoc. vendors.
Website Powered and Developed by EyeVertise.com