You might notice that vehicle headlights & tailights, or streetlights at night have a starburst effect, or that words on a page seem to have ghosting or shadowing of the letters. Maybe you have a 70” TV but still struggle to read subtitles or see the scores during hockey games. This common experience can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to read a bedtime story to your kids or drive your family to all their activities. At Orchard Park Optometry, we know you might be wondering whether this is just how you see and if there’s anything that can be done about it.
This blurriness is often a sign of astigmatism, a common and treatable vision condition. Yes, astigmatism can be corrected with several options, and it all starts with identifying it through a comprehensive eye exam.
What Is Astigmatism and How Does It Affect You?
Understanding Your Eye’s Shape
The average eye is usually described as being shaped like a sphere, and it’s often compared to a basketball. In comparison, an eye with astigmatism is shaped a little more like a football. This uneven curve affects the cornea (the clear outside layer) and the lens inside your eye.
Because of this shape, light entering your eye focuses at more than 1 point. This is what causes images, both near and far, to look blurry or distorted. It’s a common vision condition that affects many people, from children to adults.
Common Signs You Might Notice
You or your child might have astigmatism if you notice certain symptoms. While a proper diagnosis comes from an eye exam, these signs can point you in the right direction:
- Blurry or distorted vision at all distances
- Headaches or eye strain, especially after reading close-up or far away
- Needing to squint to see things clearly
Pathological Astigmatism & Keratoconus
While most forms of astigmatism are natural, meaning you’re born with it, some forms are considered pathological because they’re linked to disease or structural weakness in the cornea, or to trauma or injury. Two key examples are Keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia.
In Keratoconus, the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, creating irregular, often rapidly changing astigmatism that glasses may not fully correct; patients may notice increasingly distorted vision, glare, and frequent prescription changes. The main cause of this problem is eye rubbing.
Post-LASIK ectasia is a similar corneal weakening that can occur after laser refractive surgery, where the cornea gradually steepens and warps over time. In both conditions, early diagnosis is critical. Tools like corneal topography and OCT pachymetry mapping help detect subtle shape changes, guide treatment decisions (such as corneal cross-linking to strengthen the cornea), and determine whether specialty contact lenses or surgical options might be needed to restore safer, more functional vision.
How an Eye Doctor Checks for Astigmatism
What to Expect at an Eye Exam
Finding out if you have astigmatism starts with an eye exam. This is a straightforward process that aims to give you a complete picture of your eye health.
Simple Tests for a Clear Picture
During the exam, an eye doctor can use a few different tools to check for astigmatism. The eye exam might include looking through a series of different lenses to find what makes your vision the sharpest.
The eye doctor may also use a light to see how it reflects from the back of your eye. Our team also uses corneal topography, a technology that creates a detailed 3D image of your cornea’s surface. This helps us get a better idea of how light is entering your eye.
Daily Vision Correction for Astigmatism
Glasses for Clear and Comfortable Vision
Glasses are a simple and well-established way to correct astigmatism. The lenses can be shaped to counteract the unique curve of your eye, which helps to focus light correctly. If you also have nearsightedness or farsightedness, your glasses can correct all your vision needs with a single lens for clear, easy sight.
Contact Lenses Designed for Your Eyes
If you prefer contact lenses, there are great options for astigmatism. Toric contact lenses are designed with a specific shape that helps them stay in the correct position on your eye, so your vision remains stable. Our team can help you find them in a variety of materials during a contact lens exam.
Long-Term Correction and Other Options
Refractive Surgery for a Lasting Change
For some adults, refractive surgery like LASIK offers a long-term solution for normal astigmatism. These procedures use a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting its football-like curve. The goal is to reduce (and in some cases, even eliminate) your need for glasses or contact lenses for daily activities.
While refractive surgery can be a great option to treat astigmatism, as you read earlier it can also be a cause of pathological astigmatism. It’s important to talk to your optometrist about your interest in surgery to determine if you’re a good candidate or not, and if your eyes would be at any increased risk for complications long-term.
Find the Right Option for Your Family
Why It’s Worth It to Correct Astigmatism
Correcting astigmatism does more than just sharpen fuzzy letters on a page. It can make a real difference in your family’s daily life. Clear vision helps reduce vision-related headaches and eye discomfort, making activities like reading, using a computer, or playing sports much more enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.
Talk with an Eye Doctor
The right solution is the one that fits your lifestyle. A conversation with an eye doctor in Kelowna can help you explore all the options available for you or your children. You can discuss your personal vision needs and get a plan that makes sense for your family’s busy schedule.
Schedule Your Appointment
Our team at Orchard Park Optometry is available 7 days a week to help your family find the path to clearer vision. With a focus on personal care in a modern and spacious clinic, you can feel comfortable and confident in your eye care choices. If you’re interested in finding out if you have astigmatism, schedule an appointment today.
