Astigmatism in Massachusetts & Rhode Island

Astigmatism is a very common eye condition that occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped. The perfect cornea is round, like a tennis ball. But when the cornea is oblong, it prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, causing blurred vision. Astigmatism can also cause farsightedness, nearsightedness, or both and may be classified as regular (present at birth) or irregular (caused by trauma or disease). When left untreated, astigmatism often causes eye fatigue, squinting, pain in the eye muscles, and headaches or migraines. Eye Health Vision Centers can help diagnose and treat astigmatism through a variety of options to address your symptoms and help you see more clearly. Schedule an eye examination at one of our South Coast-area facilities, which include Taunton, Fall River, Fairhaven, and Dartmouth, MA and Middletown, RI. Astigmatism is treatable and with proper care from a member of our skilled team, it will not keep you from living your best life.

Astigmatism can cause a variety of symptoms, such as double, distorted, or blurred vision and difficulty seeing items that are close up, far away, or both. You may feel strain behind your eyes or have frequent headaches following time spent on the computer, reading, or watching television. Astigmatism in children can cause learning difficulties because of their inability to see clearly. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Health Vision Centers for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Astigmatism has a clear and concise cause — the irregular shape of the cornea. In most cases, a patient is born with astigmatism, but injury, disease, or eye surgery can sometimes cause the condition to develop later in life. Sometimes, nearsightedness or farsightedness can be indications of astigmatism, though they aren't causes. Patients can also have astigmatism in both eyes. This is called mixed astigmatism, since the corneal irregularities won't be exactly the same in each eye.

Eye Health Vision Centers is proud to provide several options for the treatment of astigmatism. After an eye examination and diagnosis, one of our skilled optometrists can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you are interested in a long-term solution, our team will schedule you for an appointment with one of our experienced ophthalmologists to discuss your laser vision correction options. Surgeries, such as LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), are excellent options for the correction of astigmatism.

If you are experiencing headaches and eye strain or are not seeing as clearly as you should be or once did, you could have astigmatism. At Eye Health Vision Centers, we provide comprehensive diagnostic testing and an array of treatment options to help restore your vision and address your symptoms. To learn more about common vision problems or to schedule your appointment, contact one of our South Coast-area facilities today.