Astigmatism is responsible for many patients' blurred vision. This refractive error is typically caused by an irregularly-shaped cornea, which in turn distorts the light that enters the eye. At Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie in Erie, PA, our doctors offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for astigmatism. Patients can opt for corrective glasses and lenses or refractive surgery such as LASIK, PRK, and LASEK, to refine their vision.
A typical, healthy cornea is usually shaped like a smooth sphere. Patients with astigmatism have corneas that are slightly oval like a football. This irregular shape scatters light entering the eye, undermining vision at any distance. Although there are cases when surgery or injury cause astigmatism, it is usually present from birth.
This refractive error causes light to scatter upon hitting the cornea. Without a focused beam of light on the retina, patients are left with blurred sight.
While the most notable symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision at every distance, patients may notice other symptoms such as:
However, these symptoms are not exclusive to astigmatism. In most cases, this condition is diagnosed during routine examinations with your ophthalmologist. We can diagnose astigmatism with visual acuity tests or by visually assessing the cornea with a keratometer.
We offer treatments for all types of refractive errors and can recommend personalized care based on your specific and unique needs. Some of the most common options include:
The doctors at the Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie will walk you through the stages of treatment so that you know what to expect and can make an informed decision about your health.
If you are interested in learning more about the treatments offered at Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. Call us at (814) 838-9555 or contact us online anytime.