Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects the shape of the eye and leads to blurred or distorted vision. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. This irregularity causes the light rays to scatter, resulting in blurry or distorted vision at both near and far distances.

Symptoms of astigmatism may include blurred or fuzzy vision, eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty seeing at night. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye exam to determine if astigmatism is the cause.

Fortunately, astigmatism can be effectively treated, allowing individuals to achieve clear vision. The most common treatment options include:

Eyeglasses: Prescription eyeglasses are a popular choice for correcting astigmatism. Specially designed lenses are prescribed based on the specific measurements of your eyes to compensate for the irregular shape and help focus light properly.

Contact lenses: Contact lenses offer an alternative to eyeglasses for those who prefer not to wear them. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism by providing different powers in different meridians of the lens. These lenses are available in both soft and rigid gas-permeable materials, and your eye care professional can help determine which type is best suited for you.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Orthokeratology is a non-surgical option for astigmatism treatment that involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, temporarily correcting the irregular curvature and allowing clear vision during the day.