You want to know if you should visit a Doctor of Optometry to treat your astigmatism. First, you need to know what astigmatism is and how an optometrist can help. Learn more about this refractive error and find out why a trip to the optometrist is so important. Then, schedule your appointment to get help with your astigmatism.
Astigmatism is diagnosed when the cornea is shaped irregularly, causing blurred vision. This condition can also be caused when the lens has an abnormal curvature. Cornea and lens abnormalities prevent light rays from refracting properly. People with astigmatism might see normally up close, but objects look blurry when at a distance. Find out how a doctor of optometry diagnoses and treats astigmatism.
Patients undergo a comprehensive eye exam when visiting the optometrist. The exam begins with a visual acuity test. Patients read letters at a distance to see how the eyes focus. Then, the optometrist uses a keratometer to examine the cornea’s curvature. Finally, the optometrist places lenses in the eyes and uses a retinoscope to see how the eye focuses. The results of these tests determine if patients have astigmatism.
Patients who have astigmatism can receive treatment from the optometrist. Several treatment options are available. Eyeglasses are the most common treatment. The glasses are fitted with cylindrical lenses that treat astigmatism. People who wear these glasses can see clearly both close up and far away. However, those who have presbyopia require bifocal lenses as well.
People can also get contact lenses to treat astigmatism. Standard contact lenses do not help with astigmatism, but people can get rigid gas permeable lenses. The rigid lenses do not change shape so they allow the light to enter the eyes normally. Toric and hybrid lenses are also an option.
Patients can also undergo orthokeratology. The optometrist will fit a series of rigid contact lenses in the eyes. The lenses are normally worn overnight and removed in the morning. The lenses reshape the cornea. This is not a cure for astigmatism. Once patients discontinue therapy, the effects of the astigmatism return.
Laser eye surgery is also an option. The optometrists can use lasers to reshape or remove tissue from the cornea. Unlike other methods, this is meant to be a permanent treatment. Once the laser surgery is over, astigmatism should be corrected. The vision should not be blurry. Those who have other refractive errors will still need glasses or contact lenses.
If you have astigmatism, an optometrist will help. The optometrist will begin with a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose astigmatism. Then the doctor will determine your treatment plan. Your treatment might include glasses, eyeglasses or orthokeratology. If you want to eliminate astigmatism, you can consider laser eye surgery. Your optometrist will go over the pros and cons of each treatment and help you make a decision.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmieyecare.com or call Carmi Eye Care at (618) 374-0513 for an appointment in our Carmi office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Astigmatism in Carmi, IL.
Eyeglasses from an optometrist are a sound investment, with one pair lasting up to three years on average. However, it is important to update the prescription regularly. Doing so ensures supreme vision correction, as well as alleviates eye strain and other symptoms of an incorrect prescription.According to recommendations from the American Optometric Association (AOA), patients…
Just because sunglasses are tinted does not mean they provide the protection your eyes need. In fact, unless they provide the right UV protection, your eyes are still at risk for damage from the sun's harmful UV radiation. Here is what you need to know about UV rays and why sunglasses with the right UV…
Optometrists ensure your eyes function properly and help maintain their internal and external health. They are trained to identify, treat, and manage conditions that affect any of these factors. Discover why maintaining a relationship with an optometrist's office through regular can greatly benefit your overall health and boost your quality of life.Optometrists are healthcare professionals…
Eye disease impacts your vision clarity and does not remedy itself. You will need to consult an optometrist to receive a custom eye disease treatment plan. Considering eye disease manifests differently in everyone, the details of the treatment plan will need to be the same. Take a look at possible treatment options to help you…
Eyeglasses from an optometrist are a sound investment, with one pair lasting up to three years on average. However, it is important to update the prescription regularly. Doing so ensures supreme vision correction, as well as alleviates eye strain and other symptoms of an incorrect prescription.According to recommendations from the American Optometric Association (AOA), patients…
Just because sunglasses are tinted does not mean they provide the protection your eyes need. In fact, unless they provide the right UV protection, your eyes are still at risk for damage from the sun's harmful UV radiation. Here is what you need to know about UV rays and why sunglasses with the right UV…