At Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, we see a lot of patients who aren’t quite sure what astigmatism means for their vision. Astigmatism is a refractive error, which means it’s a common eye condition. In a normal eye, the cornea and lens are evenly rounded, allowing light to focus on a single point on the retina. Individuals with astigmatism, on the other hand, their eyes that are shaped a little more like a football than a basketball. That shape makes light scatter unevenly inside the eye, leading to blurred or sometimes distorted vision at any distance.
The condition can be present at birth or develop later in life, and most people never know exactly why they have it. There are two types of astigmatism: nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). Genetics can play a role, and sometimes an eye injury or surgery can contribute to it.
Symptoms may include blurred or wavy vision, eyestrain, and maybe more headaches than usual. Others simply squint a lot or feel their eyes are tired more often. These symptoms do not always mean you have astigmatism. Keratoconus is a corneal disease where the normally round cornea bulges outward into a cone shape, resulting in irregular astigmatism.
We offer comprehensive eye examinations, glasses, and contact lens measurements, refractive surgery, and intraocular lens replacement. Our experienced ophthalmologists will discuss your options in more detail after your exam and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for improved vision and quality of life.
