Astigmatism

An irregularly-shaped cornea can result in blurry vision, frequent headaches, and eye strain. This is called astigmatism, and optometrist Stacy Coen, OD, can treat the condition at BLINK in Boston, Massachusetts. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam and find out if you have astigmatism, call Dr. Stacy Coen O.D. at BLINK or book your appointment online today. 

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye has an irregular shape, causing light to focus on multiple points instead of a single point on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision at various distances.

If you have astigmatism, it’s not because of something you did or didn’t do. The condition is often present from birth but can also develop later in life. Children can have astigmatism too, and Dr. Stacy Coen provides pediatric eye care services to diagnose and treat it in kids. 

How will I know if I have astigmatism?

Your optometrist can confirm an astigmatism diagnosis during your routine comprehensive eye exams. Since astigmatism is considered a refractive error, it often comes with blurry vision. Blurry vision is the leading symptom, but astigmatism can cause additional symptoms and complications too. 

Consider booking an appointment with Dr. Stacy Coen at BLINK if you experience:

• Excessive squinting
• Poor night vision
• Eye strain
• Frequent headaches

Mild cases of astigmatism might not cause symptoms at all. Still, your optometrist can examine the shape of your cornea and tell you if you have astigmatism. There’s no way to prevent the condition, but there are plenty of ways to correct the refractive error and improve your vision if it’s blurry. 

How is astigmatism treated?

There are several treatment options for astigmatism, depending on its severity. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most common nonsurgical treatments. They correct the shape of your cornea so that light can enter your eye correctly and you can see clearly. 

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, refractive surgeries like Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) can surgically reshape the cornea to improve your vision for good. Your optometrist uses the power of a laser to reshape the tissue of your cornea. 

While astigmatism isn’t always curable, you can reduce its symptoms with treatment. Refractive surgeries and other corrective measures can greatly improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses. However, it's important to consult your optometrist to determine the most suitable treatment option based on your circumstances and the condition’s severity. 

Call Dr. Stacy Coen at BLINK or schedule an appointment online for more information about astigmatism and its treatments today.