If you have been struggling with unexplained blurry vision or eye strain, it is possible you may have astigmatism, a condition caused by an asymmetrically shaped cornea which leads to distorted vision. Corneas are typically round, like a basketball, but with astigmatism the cornea is flatter on one side, causing light to bend differently upon entering the eye.
Some are born with astigmatism, while others develop it during childhood/young adulthood or as a result of an eye injury. While the condition is usually considered to be a mild refractive error, similar to nearsightedness and farsightedness, it can cause unwanted vision issues. According to the National Eye Institute, the most common symptoms of astigmatism are the following:
One of the most visibly noticeable signs of astigmatism is experiencing distorted vision when driving at night. While those with normal vision may see an evenly distributed glow coming from brake lights and street lights, astigmatism may make these lights look distorted.
As always, the best way to confirm whether you have astigmatism is to visit your eye doctor, who can check for the condition as part of a dilated eye exam. Common treatment for the condition includes specially prescribed eyeglasses and contact lenses. In some cases, surgery can also be an option to correct astigmatism.
The Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye exams that can help diagnose and treat a variety of vision problems, including astigmatism. To schedule an appointment call 215.276.6111 or visit Salusuhealth.com/TEI.