Analyzing Astigmatism

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is one of a group of eye conditions known as refractive errors. Refractive errors cause a disturbance in the way that light rays are focused within the eye.

Astigmatism is not a disease nor does it mean that you have ‘bad eyes’. It simply means that you have a variation in the shape of your cornea. Not all corneas are perfectly curved, just as sets of teeth are seldom perfectly aligned. There are many variations that might occur in the corneal surface. The degree of variation determines whether or not you need corrective eyewear.

The tendency to develop astigmatism is inherited; for that reason, some people are simply more prone to develop astigmatism than others are

Astigmatism is diagnosed through the process of a comprehensive eye health examination.

Your Optometrist will recommend corrective eyewear to help the eye focus in a more effective manner.Your Optometrist will perform precise tests during your comprehensive eye health examination to determine precisely the ideal lens prescription.

Eye Care Facts and Myths

MYTH

1. Reading in dim light is harmful to your eyes.
2. It is not harmful to watch a welder or look at the sun if you squint, or look through narrowed eyelids.
3. Using a computer, or video display terminal (VDT), is harmful to the eyes.
4. If you use your eyes too much, you wear them out.
5. Wearing poorly-fit glasses damages your eyes.
6. Wearing poorly-fit contacts does not harm your eyes.
7. You do not need to have your eyes checked until you are in your 40s or 50s.
8. Safety goggles are more trouble than they are worth.
9. It is okay to swim while wearing soft contact lenses.
10. Children outgrow crossed eyes.
11. A cataract must be ripe before it can be removed.
12. Cataracts can be removed with lasers.
13. Eyes can be transplanted.

Normal anatomical structures of the human eye.