Astigmatism can come on its own or with other symptoms of strained vision. You might be experiencing headaches, strained vision, trouble night-driving, or seeing far/close. Suppose you are noticing changes in your eyesight. In that case, an optometrist can give you an individual assessment to ascertain the culprit of your vision troubles. Here are the causes and symptoms of astigmatism and how your vision can be corrected.
Our Crowfoot, West Springs, and Creekside Calgary eye doctors know Astigmatism. At Blink Optometry, our eye doctors can diagnose astigmatism with a thorough eye exam. Astigmatism may occur in combination with other vision problems, such as nearsightedness(myopia) and farsightedness (Hyperopia), or even dry eyes. Because astigmatism may get worse over time, visit our eye doctor whenever you notice changes in your vision.
Blurriness, straining, and squinting are not typical and could be signs of astigmatism or need for vision correction. Below are some examples that you should book an eye exam with an optometrist for a vision test and rule out astigmatism:
If you notice any changes in your vision, call Blink Eyewear if you have any of the above symptoms.
CONTACT OUR CALGARY OPTOMETRISTS
Astigmatism is an eye condition that results from how your eye is curved, specifically the cornea or lens’s shape. We see the world around us through our eyes, which absorb light ways and bend them to our optic nerve, sending this information to our brains to be “read” as the objects, colours, and sights we perceive as reality. When an individual has astigmatism, their eye distorts how the light is bent, leading to skewed vision.
An optometrist will recommend the following options to correct astigmatism; ask your optometrist if these are an option for your vision needs:
Prescription lenses are a non-invasive but usually effective way to correct one’s vision if one has astigmatism. Not only will you see better, but glasses can be a great way to show off your facial features, add colour to your wardrobe and accessorize with unique brands or fashion frames.
Prescription glasses correct astigmatism by refracting the light before it enters your eyes to accommodate your eye’s shape and counteract the distortion. As with anything, there are pros and cons to glasses, so talk to your optometrist to see if glasses suit your lifestyle or if contacts might be a more flexible option.
Contact lenses are a great option if you don’t like the look of glasses or find them more flexible for your lifestyle. Contact lenses don’t fog up the way glasses do when you come in from outdoors, and you can wear sunglasses over top of your contacts (although transition glasses are also a great option available.)
At Blink Eyewear, we offer Toric lenses, gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, a hybrid of both, or customized “hard-to-fit” contact lenses. Ask your optometrist if contact lenses are an option for you, and they will be able to determine which type would suit your eyes best. An eye exam will inform your optometrist whether you are a good candidate for contact lenses. Depending on the severity of your astigmatism and underlying eye conditions such as dry eyes, your eye doctor may recommend Lasik Eye Surgery as a permanent treatment solution for astigmatism.
3 TYPES OF CONTACT LENSES FOR ASTIGMATISM
If you have astigmatism, LASIK & Refractive Surgery, often referred to as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, may be an effective treatment option for you. Suppose glasses or contacts are not a practical option for you. You crave freedom from the dependence on corrective lenses. In that case, LASIK surgery is a permanent alternative. An ophthalmologist can reshape the eye’s cornea using a laser or microkeratome to correct your astigmatism. Although permanent and effective, Lasik surgery is a more risky and invasive solution to astigmatism and is usually considered a last resort. Ask your optometrist if LASIK Eye Surgery is the best solution for your astigmatism.
6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD OPT FOR LASER EYE SURGERY
Trouble seeing clearly, nearsightedness or farsightedness are all conditions that we may not realize we have as they often develop gradually are perceived as our ‘normal.’ We may not notice we have astigmatism or need glasses except for symptoms such as headaches or our weekly routine of missing our turn off on the highway because we can’t read the sign until we are passing our exit. A routine annual eye exam with your optometrist can help catch changes in vision, prescription, and eye diseases and conditions that could become worse if left untreated.
Does Astigmatism Worsen Over Time?
Astigmatism does get worse with time, however, LASIK Laser or Refractive Eye Surgery may offer permanent and lasting results. However, as our eyes and body age, you may notice your vision declines over time.
Does Wearing Glasses or Contacts Improve Astigmatism?
While wearing contact lenses or corrective glasses for astigmatism will likely improve your vision, it will not reshape your eye or prevent it from getting worse. There are many benefits to wearing glasses/ contacts for your vision including reducing eye strain and the headaches that may come with it.
What Happens If Astigmatism Goes Untreated?
Astigmatism will not worsen if left untreated, however, you may continue to suffer from headaches, eye strain, and unclear vision. More concerning, are any other underlying conditions causing your symptoms that may go undiagnosed and treated if you do get regular eye exams.
Blink Eyewear boasts the largest collection of eyewear in Calgary, but our 3 locations are also home to the region’s finest optometrists. Just as you will not find a better store to shop for your eyewear, you will not find a better vision clinic to do your eye exam or treat your eye condition.
Go ahead and Blink; what you see is really what you get. Call one of our store numbers or fill out the form below to book an appointment.