Astigmatism

Overview

This is a problem with the shape of your eye. It makes it hard for your eye to focus. This keeps you from seeing clearly. Astigmatism can affect both your near and far vision.

Causes

What causes astigmatism? In some cases, it's caused by a poorly-shaped cornea. That's the clear window at the front of your eye. Instead of a smooth, rounded curve, your cornea may have an oval shape. This condition can also be caused by a problem with the shape of the lens inside your eye. Often, astigmatism is something you're born with.

Symptoms

If you have astigmatism, your vision may be blurry. You may find that you squint or strain your eyes often. This is uncomfortable, and it can cause headaches. And, you may have trouble seeing at night.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your needs. If your astigmatism is mild, you may not need any treatment at all. But if it's bothering you, it can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery. Your doctor will let you know the best way to treat your vision problem.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.