So, You Have Astigmatism: A Patient's Guide
Has your eye doctor informed you that you have astigmatism? Since this is not a serious diagnosis, you may not have been given all that much information about it, and you may still have a few questions about what it is and how it will affect your life. Here's a look at some common questions patients have about astigmatism – and their answers.
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism, which just means that your corneas are more cone-shaped and less flat than they should be, is usually genetic. If your parents have astigmatism, you're at an increased risk of having it yourself, but that's not to say you can't be born with astigmatism if your parents don't have it. Sometimes the symptoms of astigmatism don't manifest until later in life since the shape of your eyes can change as you age.
Can you wear contacts with astigmatism?
Most patients can. There are contact lenses made specifically for patients with astigmatism. They have a curvier shape to better fit around your irregularly shaped corneas. If you only have very mild astigmatism, your eye doctor may recommend standard contact lenses.
Are there any serious, later-in-life consequences of astigmatism?
The primary effect of astigmatism is vision impairment. You probably already need to wear glasses if you've been diagnosed with astigmatism, and as you age, you might need stronger glasses as your vision gets a bit worse. However, astigmatism won't leave you blind or cause a level of visual impairment that can't be corrected with glasses. If you fail to correct your vision with glasses or contacts, you may suffer from eyestrain and headaches as a result of the blurry, unfocused vision astigmatism gives you.
Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?
In most cases, yes. Every patient is different, so you'll need to have an eye surgeon evaluate the shape and overall health of your eyes to find out if you're a good candidate for laser eye surgery. For many patients with astigmatism, laser surgeries that abrade away the surface of the eye (such as PRK) are recommended, as they actually correct the shape of the cornea. Laser surgeries are usually very safe, but there are some side effects, like chronic eye dryness and blurry night vision, to discuss with your eye doctor.
If you have additional questions about astigmatism, don't be afraid to ask your eye doctor. Even though this is a common, mild condition, it's good to know the facts if you've been diagnosed with it. Contact an optometrist at a location like Bucks Eye Specialits for more information.
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