About 33% of the US population has some degree of astigmatism. This means that about 1 in 3 people in the US are affected by this refractive error. While astigmatism is a very common condition, it's often not considered to be a serious problem. This is because astigmatism usually does not have any major impact on a person's quality of life or vision. However, there are some cases where astigmatism can be more serious. We would like to look at how serious astigmatism is and the various types of treatments available from Dr. Weiss at World of Vision in Vero Beach, FL.
How Serious Is Astigmatism?
There are two main types of astigmatism: regular and irregular. Regular astigmatism is the more common type, and it occurs when the eye is not perfectly round. This causes light to bend in different directions, which results in blurred vision. Irregular astigmatism is less common and occurs when the eye's surface is curved unevenly. This type of astigmatism is often caused by scarring on the eye's surface.
Astigmatism Treatments
There are a few different ways to treat astigmatism, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some of the treatment options our optometrist may recommend after a thorough eye exam:
- Toric Lenses: Toric lenses are special contact lenses that correct astigmatism. They are usually made of a soft material and have a different power in each meridian, which helps to focus light on the retina correctly. Toric lenses must be fitted correctly to work properly, so it's important to see an optometrist who is experienced in fitting these lenses.
- Specialty Glasses: Specialty glasses are another option for correcting astigmatism for those who may not prefer toric lenses. These prescription sunglasses have lenses that are curved in a way that helps to correct the refractive error. Specialty glasses can be more expensive than regular prescription sunglasses, but they may be worth the investment if you have significant astigmatism.
- Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology, also known as corneal refractive therapy, is a non-surgical treatment for astigmatism. It involves wearing special contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea. This can temporarily correct astigmatism and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Contact Us for Astigmatism Treatment in Vero Beach, FL
So, how serious is astigmatism? Well, it depends on the individual. For some people, it may not be a big deal, and they may not even notice it. However, for others, it can be a major issue that affects their daily life. If you are having problems with your vision, it’s important to see our optometrist at World of Vision for an eye exam to determine if you have astigmatism. There are a variety of treatments available that can improve your vision. Call our team today at (772) 562-2020 to schedule an eye exam with Dr. Weiss.