Correcting Astigmatism

Astigmatism may be one of the most common vision problems yet it is often misunderstood. It is defined as inability of the eyes to properly focus on light sources, because the light is directed at other sections of the retina. You know you have astigmatism when you are forced to squint to see an object more clearly. There are ways to correct them that an eye doctor can help you with.

Corrective treatments are the first option, and eyeglasses are a popular choice among the patients. The practitioner will first test your eyes through various methods and determine the right grade for the lenses. The patient will then have to choose the material for the frame. In some cases, however, the patient may opt for glasses and a pair of contact lenses. The eye doctor will then determine whether soft or extended-wear lenses are appropriate, depending on your level of activity, as well as explain the maintenance options for the lenses.

A more or less permanent solution to eliminating astigmatism is to undergo refractive surgery. LASIK, where the cornea’s flap is cut open and a laser beam shapes the cornea underneath, is a highly popular option because of its relatively fast healing time and the excimer laser used in the procedure does not generate heat. PRK is also the same as LASIK, but has longer recuperation time.