When it comes to serious eye conditions like glaucoma, Boulder residents will surely seek treatment as soon as they start to notice problems. However, when it comes to issues like astigmatism, people might put off treatment because it is a little easier to live with. It is important to not allow astigmatism to go unchecked because there are ways to help improve your vision.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a condition where the eye curves abnormally, causing imperfect vision. The vision can be blurry due to either mismatched curves, or the abnormal curving happening on the lens of the eye or the surface of the cornea. There are three main types of this eye condition to know about, including:

Hyperopic astigmatism means that there is a differing hyperopic level if both are farsighted and farsightedness affects at least one meridian.

Myopic astigmatism means that there is a differing myopic level if both are nearsighted and nearsightedness affects at least one meridian.

Mixed astigmatism means that there is one farsighted meridian and one that is nearsighted.

In addition to the vision being blurry, other symptoms of this condition could include:

Distorted vision

Headaches

Squinting

Discomfort or eyestrain

Night vision difficulties


Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Your doctor will start with a comprehensive eye examination to better assess the overall health of your eyes. He or she will determine how your eyes are able to bend the light. Bright lights aimed at your eyes, a variety of instruments and you looking through a number of different lenses are all part of the process. Your doctor might also perform testing to determine if you need either a new or a different prescription for contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Treatment Options

Treatment is focused on helping to ensure that you can see comfortably and clearly. Refractive surgery options and corrective lenses are used for this. When your doctor prescribes corrective lenses, the purpose is to counteract any uneven lens or corneal curvatures. The different corrective lens options include contact lenses and eyeglasses. Your doctor might also recommend a type of refractive surgery. There are a few types he or she might recommend for astigmatism and these could include:

Lasik or epi-Lasik to reshape your cornea

Lasek which works to change the corneal curvature

Photorefractive keratectomy to reshape your cornea and remove the epithelium so that it can grow back and properly conform to the new corneal shape

As you can see, when it comes to everything from astigmatism to glaucoma boulder, you want to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. It is important to not allow any eye or vision condition to fester without seeing your eye doctor since there are treatments available that may be beneficial for your eye health and ability to see clearly.