Understanding Astigmatism: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment Options

Astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. This imperfection affects how light enters the eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision. It can make focusing on near and distant objects challenging. Fortunately, astigmatism can often be managed effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK eye surgery.

If you’re curious about astigmatism or suspect you or a loved one may have it, this guide is here to help. Let’s explore how to identify astigmatism, understand its severity, and learn about available treatment options.

How to Spot Astigmatism Measurements on Your Glasses Prescription

Your glasses prescription provides important details about your vision, including astigmatism. Look for these key terms:

Sphere (SPH): This is the first number on your prescription and indicates if you’re nearsighted (-) or farsighted (+).

Cylinder (CYL): Measures the degree of astigmatism in diopters.

Axis: Shows the orientation of the astigmatism on a scale from 0 to 180 degrees.

These measurements help your eye doctor customize your lenses to address your specific vision needs.

The Astigmatism Severity Scale

Astigmatism is categorized based on its severity, measured in diopters:

Mild Astigmatism (< 1.00 diopter):

Many people have mild astigmatism, often without noticeable symptoms.

Moderate Astigmatism (1.00 to 2.00 diopters):

At this level, corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses are usually necessary.

Severe Astigmatism (2.00 to 3.00 diopters):

This level requires correction to prevent significant visual disruption.

Extreme Astigmatism (> 3.00 diopters):

Symptoms can be severe and often require immediate medical attention.

How Doctors Diagnose Astigmatism

Eye care professionals use several advanced tools to diagnose astigmatism accurately:

Eye Chart Test: Assesses your ability to see letters or symbols at various distances.

Phoropter: Fine-tunes lens prescriptions to improve vision clarity.

Autorefractor: Measures how light bends as it passes through your eye.

Corneal Topography or Keratometer: Maps the cornea's surface to detect irregularities.

Treatment Options for Astigmatism

The right treatment for astigmatism depends on its severity and your lifestyle. Common options include:

Eyeglasses: A simple and effective way to correct mild to moderate astigmatism.

Contact Lenses: Available in specialized designs for astigmatic correction.

Orthokeratology: Temporary reshaping of the cornea using specialized lenses worn overnight.

Refractive Surgery or LASIK: A long-term solution for reshaping the cornea and reducing or eliminating astigmatism.

How LASIK Can Help

LASIK surgery is an excellent option for those seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses. During the procedure, a laser reshapes the cornea to correct the irregular curvature causing astigmatism. The result? Clearer, sharper vision with minimal downtime. Many patients find LASIK to be life-changing and an investment in long-term eye health.

Take the Next Step

If you suspect you have astigmatism or want to explore treatment options, the team at Pepose Vision Institute is here to help. From comprehensive eye exams to advanced LASIK procedures, we’re committed to providing exceptional care tailored to your needs.

Don’t let astigmatism blur your vision. Schedule a free consultation today and see the world more clearly!

FAQs About Astigmatism

Q: Is astigmatism harmful?

A: While it can cause blurred or distorted vision, astigmatism isn’t harmful when managed with proper treatment.

Q: Will I be awake during LASIK?

A: Yes, you’ll remain awake, but your eyes will be numbed for comfort during the procedure, which typically takes just a few minutes.

Q: Is 0.75 astigmatism significant?

A: A 0.75 diopter astigmatism is mild and may not cause noticeable issues, but it could still benefit from correction, especially for those with high visual demands.