Astigmatism FAQs: Clearing Up the Confusion
It is a big word that sounds a little scary. When a doctor tells you that you have "astigmatism," it is natural to worry that something is wrong with the health of your eye.
The good news? It isn’t a disease. It is simply a matter of shape.
At Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center in San Antonio, TX, we help thousands of patients correct this common issue every year. Whether you need glasses, contacts, or surgical correction, we have the tools to help you see the world sharply. Here are the answers to the most common questions we receive.
"What exactly is astigmatism?"
In a perfect eye, the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) is round like a basketball. This allows light to focus on a single point on the retina, creating a clear image.
If you have astigmatism, your cornea is shaped more like a football. It has a steeper curve in one direction than the other. This irregular shape causes light to scatter instead of focusing on a single point, leading to distorted or blurry vision at all distances.
"How do I know if I have it?"
Blurry vision is the main sign, but there are other clues.
- Night Driving Issues: Do streetlights look like starbursts or have halos around them? This is a classic symptom.
- Eye Strain: Do you get headaches after reading or working on a computer?
- Squinting: Do you find yourself squinting to make signs or screens come into focus?
"Can it be fixed?"
Absolutely. Astigmatism treatment is very effective. For many people, the solution is a pair of glasses or toric contact lenses that compensate for the curve of the eye. However, if you are looking for a more permanent solution, we offer surgical options. We can correct astigmatism during LASIK or by using advanced Toric intraocular lenses during cataract surgery.
"Why should I see an ophthalmologist for this?"
When you search for an ophthalmologist near you, you are looking for a medical doctor who specializes in the total health of the eye. While a standard eye exam can detect the issue, an ophthalmologist can offer a wider range of astigmatism treatment near you, including surgical correction. We don't just help you live with the prescription; we look for ways to improve your quality of life.
Call Our Ophthalmologists Near You for Help Seeing the Details Again
You don't have to settle for "good enough" vision. If the lights are blurring or the road signs are fuzzy, let us help you find your focus. Call (210) 490-6759 to contact Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center today to schedule your comprehensive exam.