Diagnosing And Treating Astigmatism At Our Optometry Medical Group In Seattle, WA
If you have astigmatism in Seattle, you are not alone. Astigmatism is a common refractive error, meaning that it occurs because of the shape of your eye. Our team at Optometry Medical Group offers eyeglasses, contacts, exams, and other treatments for astigmatism, as well as preventative care, treatment, and management of other vision conditions and ocular diseases.
Symptoms and Causes
The only true symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision. For some people, astigmatism may cause uneven or wavy blurred segments, but most people only experience the issue as unclear vision. This blurred vision can result in eyestrain, squinting, and headaches.
Astigmatism occurs when the front part of your eye is a little uneven rather than being perfectly round. Most people with astigmatism are born with it, although it may develop after an accident or as the result of another type of eye trauma. People may be nearsighted or farsighted as well as having astigmatism.
Astigmatism is not a disease, so it can’t be treated and cured like one. Most people with astigmatism choose to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. A smaller percent of people choose to undergo ocular vision correction surgery. Our eye doctor at Optometry Medical Group in Seattle, WA can help diagnose and treat people with astigmatism, including helping you decide what form of vision correction is best for you.
How We Can Help At Our Seattle, WA Clinic
During your exam at Optometry Medical Group, your eyes will be examined by our optometrist for signs of an irregular shape. The same type of exam that is used to test for nearsightedness and farsightedness is used to look for astigmatism. A device called a phoropter is used to show you different lens powers and help us figure out the best prescription for you.
If you have been diagnosed with astigmatism, our optometrist can help you decide on the best form of vision correction. Not very long ago, people with astigmatism could not wear contact lenses, but that is no longer true. Unless you have both refractive errors and some form of disease, or extremely severe astigmatism, you should be able to find appropriate contact lenses.
Eyeglasses are the more traditional offering for patients with astigmatism. They do have some benefits, such as being easier to fit and less complicated to wear. At the other extreme, some patients with astigmatism are choosing laser corrective surgery these days. This method has pros and cons, as well. Our optometrist would be happy to discuss your options with you so you can get the best possible result.
Visit Optometry Medical Group in Seattle Today
If you need an eye doctor for astigmatism, both of our practices can help. To make an appointment, contact us today at (206) 322-6915 (Rainer) or (206) 395-2285 (22nd Ave). You can also visit our offices at 3324 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, or 1721 22nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122.