WHAT IS ASTIGMATISM?
Astigmatism is a finding that refers to the CURVATURE OF THE CORNEA (clear front part of the eye). In most cases you are born with astigmatism. It is very common.
We divide the cornea into a vertical and horizontal axis.
When each axis focuses light equally, there is NO astigmatism and the cornea is considered to be spherical (or circular)
ASTIGMATISM
When one axis focuses light more than the other, you have astigmatism. The cornea is considered to be more
oval / football in shape
(these are microscopic changes that does not actually change the shape of the overall eye)
Does astigmatism affect my vision?
Astigmatism may affect your vision.
Symptoms can vary, including:
Blurry vision
"Not sharp" vision
Shadowing of images
Haloes or starbursts around lights
Can we correct astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery?
Laser cataract surgery corrects most common levels of astigmatism
Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) correct higher levels of astigmatism
*These techniques are NOT covered by Medicare or commercial insurance plans.
How is astigmatism treated/corrected?
Astigmatism is automatically corrected in glasses prescription. You can also use special contact lenses called "toric" lenses.
UNCORRECTED
CORRECTED