What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common visual correction need that can result in a distorted vision at all distances (far and near), depending on the degree of astigmatism.

It can affect people at any age. People with astigmatism are often myopic or hyperopia as well.

Always remember to consult an ophthalmologist, as he is the professional responsible for diagnosing and treating any of these eye conditions.

What causes astigmatism?

The images that your eyes transmit to your brain are clear only if the rays of light passing into your eyes focus on a single point of the retina, at the back of your eye.

Astigmatism occurs when the surface of the eye, the cornea, or the lens behind it, have an irregular shape. Instead of being round, it has a shape more similar to a rugby ball. As a result, the light does not focus correctly on the retina and the image is distorted at all distances.

What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

Astigmatism can cause blurring and distortion of vision when trying to focus on objects at long distances, such as traffic signs. It can also affect vision for close-up activities, like reading or sewing. If not corrected, astigmatism can lead to headaches, fatigue, and pain in the muscles around the eye.

If you suspect any visual alteration you should consult an ophthalmologist to perform the necessary exams and get the proper diagnosis.

Schedule your appointment in one of our stores.

How can astigmatism be corrected?

If your ophthalmologist confirms that you have astigmatism, do not worry. Almost half of the population has some form of astigmatism and this can be generally corrected with the use of glasses or contact lenses ‘toric’.

Soft, toric contact lenses correct astigmatism by compensating for individual differences in the shape of your eye, allowing the light to focus correctly on your retina. If you have myopia or hyperopia in addition to astigmatism, toric lenses can correct these vision problems at the same time as they correct astigmatism.

If you suspect any visual alteration you should consult an ophthalmologist to perform the necessary exams and get the proper diagnosis.

Schedule your appointment in one of our stores.