Astigmatism is a common and generally treatable imperfection in the curvature of the eye that causes blurred distance and near vision.
Astigmatism occurs when either the front surface of the eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye has mismatched curves. Instead of having one curve like a round ball, the surface is egg-shaped. This causes blurred vision at all distances.
Astigmatism is often present at birth and may occur in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Often it’s not pronounced enough to require corrective action. When it is, treatment options are corrective lenses or surgery.
Symptoms
Blurred or distorted vision
Eyestrain or discomfort
Headaches
Difficulty with night vision
Squinting
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. Fortunately, several effective treatment options are available to help you see clearly.
Eyeglasses
The most common and simplest treatment for astigmatism is prescription eyeglasses. Special lenses called toric lenses are designed to compensate for the irregular curve of your cornea, providing crisp, clear vision.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are another popular option. Soft toric lenses or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses can effectively correct astigmatism. Your eye care professional can help determine which type is best for you.
Refractive Surgery
For permanent correction, several surgical options are available: