Blurry vision may be more than just nearsightedness or farsightedness. For some Park Ophthalmology patients, vision problems at any distance may be the result of astigmatism. Astigmatism is a natural condition, occurring in about one of every three people in the United States. The front surface of the eye, the cornea, is normally a sphere shape, like a basketball. This smooth surface refracts incoming light so we can see. People with astigmatism have a cornea shaped more like a football, protruding outward. This uneven shape distorts light rays as they enter the eye, causing blurry vision.
Astigmatism may occur in combination with near- and farsightedness, but it isn’t caused or made worse by sitting too close to the television or computer, squinting or reading in poor light. While astigmatism is not a harmful condition, people often notice blurriness while reading, driving, looking at a computer or doing other activities.
There are two ways Beth R. Friedland M.D. can correct astigmatism:
- Glasses or contact lenses: People with slight astigmatism may not require corrective lenses, but most people require some correction to see properly, especially those with another vision problem. Those with an astigmatism can wear special contact lenses called toric lenses, which are able to bend light in one direction or another. People can also opt for gas permeable contact lenses. Dr. Beth Friedland can determine which option will work best.
- Refractive surgery: Laser eye surgery can correct the shape of the cornea, making it more spherical. People with healthy eyes, free from disease, scars, or other retinal problems may have surgery. There are multiple types of surgeries to correct the corneal shape; Park Ophthalmology will decide which one is right based on the patient’s medical history and eye shape.
Astigmatism may increase slowly over time, making it more difficult to observe as years pass. That’s why annual eye exams are an important part of tracking eye health and vision changes. Those experiencing eye strain or blurry vision should contact Dr. Beth Friedland at Park Ophthalmology for an eye exam.
Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!
This article about astigmatism is brought to you by the professional team atPark Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.
The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.
5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)
Durham, NC 27713
Office: 919 544 5375
Fax: 919 544 5829
Park Ophthalmology North
6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105
Raleigh, NC 27615
919 846 6915
Photo: Arztsamui, freedigitalphotos.net