Your Blurry Vision Could Be Caused by Astigmatism

Eye with astigmatism

Your Blurry Vision Could Be Caused by Astigmatism

Does everything look blurry, whether you're reading a book or watching the sun set in the distance? Your blurry vision could be caused by astigmatism, a refractive error that affects 1 in 3 people, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

When Everything Is Blurry

Myopia (nearsightedness) makes distant objects look fuzzy, while hyperopia (farsightedness) affects your ability to see close objects clearly. Astigmatism, another type of refractive error, causes blurry vision at both near and far distances. Refractive errors happen when light rays entering the eye aren't properly bent (refracted) and focused on the retina, the light-sensing cells that line the back of the eye.

Astigmatism can occur on its own or can happen in combination with myopia or hyperopia.

Astigmatism Symptoms and Causes

Blurry vision isn't the only symptom of astigmatism. The refractive error may also cause headaches and eyestrain, particularly after reading or spending time using your laptop or tablet.

Astigmatism may also make it difficult to see well at night or in dimly lit rooms and can cause halos around lights.

Astigmatism can be occur due to an issue with:

  • Your Cornea. The cornea, the clear round tissue that covers your iris and pupils, bends light rays as they enter your eyes. People with astigmatism often have corneas that are shaped more like footballs than round balls. The unusual shape makes it harder for the cornea to bend light rays correctly.
  • Your Lens. Astigmatism may also be caused by the clear lens inside the eye. The lens, located under your iris and pupil, also helps focus light rays on the retina.
  • Both the Cornea and the Lens. In some cases, curvature problems in both the lens and the cornea can cause astigmatism.

Although astigmatism often occurs for unknown reasons, you may be more likely to develop it if you had eye surgery, an eye injury or keratoconus, according to the American Optometric Association. Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to become thinner and cone shaped.

What You Can Do to Improve Your Vision

If you have astigmatism, your optometrist can recommend several options that will sharpen your vision, including:

  • Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses. An additional lens power added to your contact lens or eyeglass prescription keeps light rays focused at the correct place on the retina. If you wear contact lenses, your eye doctor may prescribe toric, hybrid, or gas permeable lenses, depending on the degree of astigmatism. Your optometrist can help you decide which type of lenses are best for you.
  • Refractive Surgery. Refractive surgery changes the shape of your cornea, allowing you to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. During laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), a laser is used to make a small flap in the cornea and reshape your corneal tissue. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) involves reshaping the cornea by completely removing the outer layer. Both procedures can also improve near and far vision.
  • Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology, another astigmatism treatment option, temporarily reshapes your cornea, providing hours of clear vision. Special contact lenses worn at night improve light refraction by flattening the center part of your cornea. In the morning, you'll remove the lenses and enjoy sharp vision throughout the day. You must wear the contact lenses every night or your vision will become blurry again.

A visit to the optometrist can help you correct astigmatism and improve your eyesight. Give us a call when you're ready to make an appointment for your vision exam.

Sources:

National Eye Institute: Astigmatism, 6/26/2019

American Optometric Association: Astigmatism

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Health Statistics

Locations

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Central Avenue Office

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Arrowhead Road Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

See What Our Patients Say!

  • "Theobald is an amazing Eye Care Clinic. The Doctors are so knowledgeable and professional. They are also fun to talk to. I absolutely love Dr. Teresa. She has been my primary eye doctor for several years. I couldn’t be happier with the clinic or their staff. Everyone there is friendly and easy to work with. The eye glass selection is great too."
    Jessica P.
  • "Just wanted to shout out to Theobald Eye Clinic-what an awesome staff you have at the Arrowhead office. My dad brought my uncle, Warren, in to get his prescription for his glasses filled this afternoon. Everything was easy and quick. Everyone is amazing. Love this staff. Very caring and kind."
    Shellie G.
  • "I've really never had a detailed discussion of my eyes before this visit. I was amazed and answered many questions i have had. I felt very comfortable and I'm confident I've found a doc who can be part of my health plan going forward. I had lots of help choosing some cool reading glasses as well!"
    Paul S.
  • "We LOVE Dr. Theobald and all the office staff. We have been going here for 6 years. You can tell they truly care about you."
    Anne M.
  • "I hate picking out glasses and I was so relieved when the staff here made it so easy! They really know how to help you pick glasses that are the right shape for your face so you always look your best. They are not only knowledgeable but have a great selection of glasses to pick from! I could not be happier with the pair they helped me pick out and it was a relief to feel confident in my choice after I left! Thank you Theobald family eye care!"
    Mandi J.
  • "Always a great experience for my entire family. Great selection of frames also."
    Steve S.
  • "We have been seeing Dr. Theobald for about 6 years now and they always treat us very good and take good care of our eyes!"
    Sarah W.
  • "Everyone here is EYEmazing! Accommodating, caring, thoughtful, friendly, kind and knowledgeable. A ++ with kids and adults! We will be back for our next check up! 🕶"
    Alana W.
  • "The Dr's and staff are very helpful and professional. My family has been going here for 8+ years and I recommend them to everyone. They also have a great selection of eyewear for any style."
    Heather B.
  • "I was blown away by the professionalism and courtesy of the staff! highly recommend to everyone!! Thank you so much for giving me and my kid's such amazing service! We can't wait to come back again!"
    Mary M.