How Is Astigmatism Treated?

Astigmatism represents one of the most common vision issues encountered by individuals, marked by an irregular curve of the cornea or lens, which leads to distorted or blurred vision. Fortunately, with advancements in optometry, there are several effective treatment options available today. Living in Vienna, VA, or its surroundings offers you the advantage of accessing leading eye care services to manage and treat astigmatism effectively. Whether you’re experiencing this condition from birth or it has developed over time, understanding the treatment pathways can lead to a significant improvement in your quality of life.

Corrective Eyewear: Glasses and Contact Lenses

The primary, non-invasive approach to correcting astigmatism involves the use of specially designed eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eyeglasses for astigmatism have lenses that correct the uneven curvature of your cornea or lens, allowing for the proper focus of light onto your retina.

Contact lenses, including toric, gas-permeable, and hybrid lenses, offer a broader visual field and can be a preferred option for many, especially those with a lifestyle that doesn’t align with the use of glasses. Soft toric lenses are explicitly designed to correct astigmatism, counteracting the cornea’s irregular shape. For more severe cases, rigid gas-permeable lenses might be recommended due to their ability to maintain their shape on the eye, thereby providing a clearer vision.

Refractive Surgery: A Permanent Solution

For individuals seeking a permanent solution to astigmatism, refractive surgery might be an appropriate option. Procedures such as LASIK or PRK involve reshaping the cornea with a laser, correcting the way light enters the eye. These surgeries have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency in providing long-term correction for astigmatism, alongside myopia or hyperopia if present.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical option that involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the curvature of the cornea while you sleep, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. This option is particularly appealing to those ineligible for laser surgery or prefer a reversible solution.

Advanced Options: Toric IOLs and Clear Lens Exchange

In cases where astigmatism is accompanied by cataracts, or for individuals looking for alternatives to corneal-based treatments, intraocular lenses (IOLs) or clear lens exchange might be considered. Toric IOLs are used during cataract surgery to replace the clouded lens and simultaneously correct astigmatism. Similarly, clear lens exchange involves replacing the natural lens with an artificial one to correct refractive errors, including astigmatism.

Preventive and Follow-Up Care

It’s essential to have regular eye examinations to detect astigmatism early, particularly in children, and to follow up as recommended by your eye care professional. These visits are crucial for monitoring the condition and making adjustments to treatment as needed.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

At Vienna Eyecare Center, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for astigmatism and other vision-related issues. Our team of experts utilizes the latest technology and treatment methods to ensure you achieve the best possible vision. If you’re experiencing symptoms of astigmatism or are seeking an expert consultation, we encourage you to reach out to us.

To schedule an appointment, please call us at (703) 938-7633 or complete our online form. Let us assist you in achieving clearer, sharper vision.