How Does an Eye Doctor Know You Have Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a visual defect within the eye that’s caused by the cornea being a less than perfect shape. In normal circumstances, the surface is uniformly curved—much like that of a ping pong ball. This means that light shines straight through it onto the retina at the back of the eye. If the cornea is slightly misshapen it causes the light to bend. This causes blurring of vision and is called astigmatism.

How Astigmatism is Diagnosed?

• History and symptoms
• Eye care center tests to diagnose astigmatism

History and symptoms

Before an eye doctor begins an eye test you’ll be asked if you have any problems with your vision. Astigmatism is a hugely common condition that affects many people. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, around 1 in 3 people are affected. The condition can range in severity from being unnoticeable to causing significant visual difficulties. One of the major symptoms of astigmatism is the difficulty or an inability to see fine detail.Other symptoms are:

• Eyestrain
• Eye fatigue
• Squinting
• Headache caused by one or a combination of the above

Eye care center tests to diagnose astigmatism

After taking a detailed history the eye doctor will carry out a full eye exam. This includes using various lights and lenses that will determine how the light travels through each eye to reach the retina at the back. These results of these tests will determine if you a) have astigmatism and b) the severity if you do.

How is Astigmatism Treated?

• Treating astigmatism
• How do I find the best eye doctor near me to diagnose and treat astigmatism?

Treating astigmatism

Treatment depends on the severity of astigmatism, the best course of action as determined by your eye doctor, and personal choice. For those with very mild curvature of the cornea, there may be little or no symptoms. In such cases, no treatment is generally required and the condition will be monitored during regular eye exams throughout your lifetime.Astigmatism that does cause problems with vision can be treated in one of two ways:

• Corrective lenses
• Refractive surgery

The former is perhaps the most common and warrants a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The latter is done through a specialized laser treatment that an experienced ophthalmologist uses to carefully sculpt the lens back to a more uniform curve. This results in permanent treatment that should mean there’s no need to use corrective lenses. One of the most common types of such surgery is LASIK.

How do I find the best eye doctor near me to diagnose and treat astigmatism?

When it comes to your eyesight, and especially if you have a condition that causes abnormal vision, it pays to partner with the best eye doctor. Near me online searches will, naturally, bring up clinicians in your local area. However, with more complicated visual disorders, such as severe astigmatism, it’s well worth utilizing the services of the best ophthalmologist to ensure the highest level of care and eyesight.

Contact the West Boca Eye Center for Astigmatism & Every Aspect of Eye Care

Brent Bellotte MD. is one of the most respected eye doctors in the country, leading the way in cutting edge cataract and refractive surgery. His expertise is such that many people across the nation travel to visit his West Boca Eye Care Center, taking advantage of his reputation in successfully treating all kinds of eye conditions. This includes the very latest in laser refractive surgery that means the West Boca Eye Center can permanently treat astigmatism in a manner that often isn’t possible elsewhere.To find out more visit https://westbocaeyecenter.com today.