What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms & Vision Correction Options

If you’re like many people, you may be familiar with the term astigmatism as being a type of vision issue, but you may not know exactly how astigmatism affects your vision. The answer can vary somewhat from person to person, with some people having trouble focusing on items at a distance while others struggle with close-up vision. Headaches, blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and even double vision may be associated with astigmatism, which is technically caused by an abnormally shaped cornea. 

At SPEX, eyecare specialist Dr. Scott Campbell and our knowledgeable team offer a comprehensive range of corrective lenses, including eyeglasses and contacts — along with an exciting selection of designer frames — to help patients with astigmatism in Seattle get the clearer vision they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of astigmatism, how astigmatism is corrected, when to schedule an eye exam for astigmatism, and more. 

 

What causes astigmatism? 

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, or sometimes the lens inside the eye, has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round, the surface is more oval, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision. Generally speaking, astigmatism may develop because of:  

• A naturally irregular corneal shape 
• Genetics 
• Changes that occur as the eye develops 
• Certain eye injuries or surgeries 
• Corneal conditions, such as keratoconus 

Many people are born with some degree of astigmatism, and it often occurs alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

 

Will an eye exam show astigmatism? 

A comprehensive eye exam is one of the best ways to diagnose astigmatism, even if your symptoms are mild or you've become accustomed to seeing a certain way. During your examination, Dr. Campbell will perform several vision tests to evaluate how your eyes focus light and measure the shape and curvature of your cornea. These measurements help determine not only whether astigmatism is present but also the degree of correction needed for the clearest, most comfortable vision possible. 

 

What are the most common symptoms of astigmatism? 

The symptoms of astigmatism can range from subtle to more disruptive depending on the severity of the condition. Some people notice blurry vision only when driving at night, while others struggle throughout the day. In general, the most prevalent symptoms of astigmatism include:  

• Blurred or distorted vision 
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night 
• Eyestrain 
• Frequent headaches 
• Squinting to improve focus 
• Double vision in some cases 
• Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects 

If these symptoms begin interfering with work, school, driving, or other daily activities, it's a good time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. 

 

Can glasses correct astigmatism? 

In many cases, yes. Prescription eyeglasses are one of the most common and effective ways to correct astigmatism. Specialized lenses compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. Once the appropriate prescription has been determined, most patients notice significantly sharper vision and less eyestrain while reading, working, driving, or using digital devices. Routine eye exams also allow your prescription to be updated as your vision changes over time. For some patients, laser eye surgery also offers an opportunity to improve or correct vision in patients with astigmatism. If you're interested in learning more about whether you may be a candidate for laser eye surgery for astigmatism, don't hesitate to ask Dr. Campbell about what options may be available for you. 

 

Can you wear contacts with astigmatism? 

Thanks to advances in contact lens technology, many patients with astigmatism can comfortably wear contact lenses instead of glasses. Several contact lens options are available for astigmatism that are designed to provide stable, consistent vision throughout the day. During your eye exam and contact lens fitting, Dr. Campbell can help determine which type of contact lens best matches your prescription, eye health, and lifestyle. 

 

Get the clearer outlook you deserve with correct eyewear and astigmatism care in Seattle  

Whether you've recently noticed blurry vision or you've known you have astigmatism for years, the right prescription can make a remarkable difference in your daily life. Dr. Scott Campbell and our experienced team at SPEX provide comprehensive eye exams, personalized vision correction, and a wide selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses to help patients enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision. Contact our Seattle, WA office today to schedule your eye exam and get clearer vision as soon as tomorrow.