OPHTHALMOLOGY

Gregory Eippert, MD

Q: I have been told I have astigmatism and it sounds like an illness of some sort. What is astigmatism? Is it the same in both eyes? Can it change over time? Will it make any difference when I get my glasses, contacts, or have cataract surgery?

A: Contrary to how it may sound, astigmatism is not a contagious eye disease or illness and is in fact quite common. Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is what’s referred to as a refractive error; a problem with how the eye focuses light. Normally, the cornea of the eye is spherical and shaped like a basketball which allows light rays entering the eye to focus on a single point at the back of the retina providing clear vision. With astigmatism, the cornea of the eye is shaped more like an oval or football shape which causes light rays entering the eye to have different focal points either in front of the retina, behind the retina, or both. Astigmatism therefore causes vision to be blurred or distorted to some degree at all distances. Other symptoms of astigmatism include eyestrain, headaches, especially after reading for long periods of time, and squinting in an effort to see clearly. Generally, astigmatism is present at birth but it can sometimes develop after an eye disease, eye injury, or surgery. Astigmatism is most often bilateral, occurring in both eyes, but not always. It is rarely the exact same amount in both eyes and, like other refractive errors, it can change over time. One thing that is not true is that astigmatism will develop or worsen from reading in low light or sitting close to the television. Your eye doctor can diagnose and assess your astigmatism during a comprehensive eye exam using various instruments to measure how your eye focuses light and your overall visual acuity. Additional testing may include a keratometry reading that measures the corneal curvature or a corneal topography that maps the surface of the cornea. Your eye doctor can also answer your questions about astigmatism and help determine and recommend the best treatment option whether that is prescription glasses, soft Toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery such as LASIK. Although cataracts and astigmatism are separate vision issues, today’s technology means you can correct both problems at once during cataract surgery using a Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL). The Toric IOL allows for precise astigmatism correction so that patients have the potential for clear, sharp distance vision, often with significantly reduced dependence on glasses, and enhanced image quality and detail as well. As with any eye condition, early diagnosis of astigmatism can help with determining the proper treatment so that you can have the best potential for clear vision. Gregory Eippert, MD 9485 Mentor Ave., #110, Mentor 44060 440-255-1115 www.opivision.com