Astigmatism
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Vision and Ortho-K Center
Curtis Frank, OD
Optometry & Specialty Contact Lens Practice located in Boston, MA & Newton Upper Falls, MA
Astigmatism is a common eye problem that causes distorted up-close and distance vision because of an irregularly shaped cornea. At Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston, and Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts, Curtis Frank, OD, a highly-skilled optometrist with more than 30 years in the field, offers comprehensive eye exams using the latest technology to accurately diagnose astigmatism. The team at Vision and Ortho-K Center recommends vision correction options, including contacts and glasses, that can help you see clearly even with astigmatism in both eyes. To schedule an exam, call the office, or use the convenient online booking system.
Astigmatism Q & A
What is astigmatism?
When the clear, front cover of your eye — the cornea — is irregularly shaped, you have astigmatism. You can also have astigmatism in one or both eyes as a result of an irregular curvature of your eye’s lens. An irregularly shaped cornea or lens means your eye can’t properly focus light on the retina.
The retina is the light-sensitive surface at the back of each eyeball. When light doesn’t focus correctly, you have trouble seeing clearly up close, far away, or both. This makes astigmatism a refractive disorder, meaning you aren’t focusing or refracting the light on your retina as clearly as you should.
It’s common to have astigmatism along with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) in one or both eyes. All of these are considered refractive errors because they affect how your eye bends light.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
Because astigmatism often occurs with other refractive disorders, it’s hard to know if you have astigmatism unless you undergo a professional eye exam. Astigmatism symptoms are similar to other vision impairments, and often include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Squinting to focus on an object up close or far away
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
If you or your children have any of these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam using the latest diagnostic and refractive technologies allows Dr. Frank and the team to accurately prescribe glasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly.
What are my options for correcting astigmatism?
Most people with astigmatism are able to see clearly with glasses or contacts, even with astigmatism in both eyes. Along with prescription eyeglasses or contacts to correct astigmatism, refractive laser surgery is another option.
The team at Vision and Ortho-K Center let you know if LASIK surgery may help your vision, based on your individual needs and eye conditions. They provide consultation services for different types of refractive surgery, as well as pre- and postoperative care.
To schedule an exam to determine if you have astigmatism or other refractive disorder that’s causing vision problems, contact the friendly team at Vision and Ortho-K Center by phone or through the convenient online booking system.
