At Discover Vision Centers in Kansas City, MO, we offer many solutions to fix astigmatism. Some options include laser vision correction surgeries, such as SMILE, LASIK, and PRK, or premium lens options such as a Toric IOL, Toric Trifocal IOL and the Light Adjustable IOL. Other solutions are nonsurgical, including the use of glasses or contact lenses.
Good vision requires the correct curvature of the eye in order to properly focus light and create a clear image for you to see. People with astigmatism have an irregular eye shape, which means the curvature of their eye is not right for focusing the light that comes into the eye. This causes a refractive error, or an issue with focusing light that leads to blurry vision.
ymptoms of astigmatism include:
Some children who have astigmatism may struggle seeing the blackboard at school or in sports, due to impaired distance vision.
If you suspect you may have astigmatism, be sure to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor Discover Vision Centers to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
The trained ophthalmologists at Discover Vision Centers offer LASIK surgery as a safe and effective treatment for astigmatism. LASIK is short for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis and involves the use of a laser to reshape the surface of the cornea, thus smoothing the irregular surface of the eye and resolving the refractive error to treat astigmatism. The newer SMILE procedure can also treat low and moderate levels of astigmatism.
Another astigmatism cure is the intraocular lens implant, also known as an IOL. An IOL is an artificial lens that replaces the eye’s natural lens during cataract surgery or refractive lens replacement / exchange. IOL’s can correct astigmatism with toric designs or the Light Adjustable Lens.
Advanced surface ablation (ASA), also known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), is an effective eye surgery for astigmatism. PRK can be a great alternative for patients who are not candidates for other forms of laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or SMILE. PRK has a similar outcome to LASIK and SMILE, but the procedure is slightly different, as PRK does not involve the creation of a flap on the surface of the eye.
A toric IOL is similar to other forms of intraocular lenses, except they are used to treat astigmatism. Astigmatism is a refractive error that affects nearly 1 in 3 people. Astigmatism can occur in one or both eyes, and has the characteristic of making vision blurry. An irregular shape in the cornea or the lens can change the way light passes through your eye. The result is often blurry or distorted vision, resulting in the need for contacts, eyeglasses, or corrective surgery. Toric lenses are a great option for patients who want to be free of cataracts, but who also want freedom from eyeglasses after surgery. Toric lenses can also be used with refractive lens replacement. Another alternative to treat astigmatism is the use of the Light Adjustable Lens.
Eyeglasses and contact lenses are easy, non-surgical ways to compensate for astigmatism. While they help with astigmatism in the short term, eyeglasses and contact lenses do not resolve the root issue of astigmatism – the shape of the surface of the eye. A downside of toric contacts is that they are ballast weighted so gravity affects them. As you blink they rotate on the eye and transiently blur ones vision. This does not occur with glasses, laser vision correction or lens implant surgeries. If you wear glasses for astigmatism, you may experience blurry vision at the edges of the lenses. This does not occur with laser vision correction or implant lenses.
Ready to treat your astigmatism and see clearly again? Book your vision correction consultation today, virtual or in-person. To speak with a team member, call 816-478-1230 or use our online scheduling system. Let us help you to get rid of astigmatism today!
Astigmatism is a relatively common condition that is usually present at birth, but the precise causes of astigmatism are unknown. Certain eye diseases, surgeries, or injuries appear to be linked to astigmatism in some patients. So how do you get astigmatism? Some people believe that you get astigmatism from reading in low light or watching TV at too close of a distance, but these are not proven causes of astigmatism. There is a genetic predisposition and orbital and lid anatomy likely have influences.
You might have astigmatism if your vision is blurry or distorted. Sometimes this means that you may struggle to see at a distance and/or up close, have headaches, eye strain, or general irritation of the eyes. If you suspect that you have astigmatism, your doctor will perform a series of astigmatic tests using special computers, lights, and lenses, which will help the doctor measure the degree of refractive error that you have.
When you’re considering solutions for your vision with astigmatism, it’s important to seek out reputable and experienced surgeons like those at Discover Vision Centers. Our doctors are located in Kansas City, Leawood, Blue Springs, Lees Summit, Independence, Raymore, Harrisonville, Olathe and The Legends. Our eye care experts will answer your questions and help you weigh all your options to discern which surgery for astigmatism is right for you and your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to cure your astigmatism and see clearly again, then consult the eye care experts at Discover Vision Centers to learn which solution is best for you and your unique needs.
Astigmatism is a fairly common condition that can affect people of all ages. About 1 out of 3 patients have astigmatism that if corrected optimizes the patient’s vision. Fortunately there are many ways to treat this common condition and achieve better vision.
The most common symptoms of astigmatism include blurry vision at distance or up close; difficulty driving at night; halos and starbursts around lights; and eye strain and headaches.
Astigmatism is a genetic condition, being present at birth in many patients. Eye socket and lid anatomy may have a contribution as well. It can also be developed over time through certain eye diseases, surgeries, or injuries.
Astigmatism can get worse over time, but there are solutions that can resolve the refractive error and help restore your clear vision. Options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision correction surgery, or surgery to replace the lens with a toric or Light Adjustable IOL.
