In an eye with no astigmatism, the cornea is shaped perfectly round like a basketball, whereas in an eye with astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more oblong like a football. This causes unequal focusing of different parts of an image.
Both distant and close objects can be blurry. A mild amount of astigmatism typically accompanies both myopia and hyperopia.
Astigmatism is caused by the front surface of the eye (the cornea) being shaped somewhat irregularly.
Significant astigmatism should be corrected with glasses in children to provide clear vision and/or to help treat amblyopia. Astigmatism is corrected using cylindrical lenses; glasses or contacts can be worn by adults with astigmatism. Like myopia, astigmatism can be greatly eliminated or reduced by refractive surgery such as LASIK, but this is not recommended for any patient under the age of 18.
Wheaton Eye Clinic’s unparalleled commitment to excellence is evident in our continued growth. Today we provide world-class medical and surgical care to patients in six suburban locations—Wheaton, Naperville, Hinsdale, Plainfield, St. Charles, and Bartlett.
(630) 668-8250 (800) 637-1054
