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Nearsighted, Farsighted or astigmatic

When the cornea and lens can focus clearly onto the retina, it means that the eye has perfect near and distance vision. Even though the human body has evolved incredibly well, it has some serious design flaws. The most evident example of this is the rate at which our vision deteriorates with age. More and more people are getting affected due to an increased reliance on technology and electrically operated gadgets.

Nearly 2/3rd of the adult population wears prescribed eyewear, and 20% uses contact lenses but both glasses and lenses have their own limitation. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism are refractive errors that make it difficult for the eyes to focus. In some cases, these vision conditions can be present at birth or it can be the environmental conditions, eye injury or eye surgery which has been done previously.

What is Myopia?

Myopia or Near-Sightedness occurs when light cannot focus on your retina causing faraway objects to appear unclear or blurry. It happens when the eyeball is too long or when you have a cornea which is curved too much. Myopia often begins before you enter your teenage years. Heredity and environmental factors can also be the cause of short sightedness.

What is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia or Far-Sightedness is when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is curved too little. For people suffering from hyperopia, objects that are closer appear to be blurry while distant objects appear clearly. This can cause headache, eye strain and fatigue while doing meticulous work. Severe hyperopia can result in blurred distant vision. Sometimes when it’s just very benign, the eyes may focus without corrective lenses.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an eye condition where the cornea is oval shaped, and objects cannot focus properly on the retina causing two focal points. This not only causes blurred vision but also distorts it. People suffering from astigmatism experience eye-strain, headaches or blurred vision at a certain distance. It can be genetic but environmental factors can also add onto the problem. The problem increases very slowly over time, but it remains relatively stable. The symptoms of astigmatism include: blurry vision, headaches and horizontal direction of objects appear unclear. It may appear like a flash or blaze around the object.

Treatment Options

Glasses and contact lenses usually offer clear vision and relieve symptoms. Most people who wear glasses suffer from Myopia, Hyperopia or Astigmatism. People suffering from these vision disorders can consider LASIK eye surgery. Since it’s by far the safest and most frequently performed corrective eye surgery which reshapes the cornea enabling proper focus of light through the retina. The surgery is conducted by trained ophthalmologists who create a small notch to access the inner tissue of the cornea and gently reshape the eye’s curvature to correct the degeneration.

Inherited diseases can be cured if they’re discovered and diagnosed early on. We need to take care of our eyes which we usually take for granted for most of the time. LASIK eye surgery is a quantum leap in curing vision related issues by modern medical science. It is a quick and painless process which helps you get rid of your boring glasses and irritating contact lenses.

If you think that you may be suffering or may suffer from vision loss then come and have a comprehensive eye exam and consultation done with our experts at Insight Vision Center in Fresno! Don’t delay and book your appointment today!

Eyes-a-crucial-window-to-your-physical-health

Did you know that your eye health is a crucial indicator of your overall health? Ophthalmologists can through a comprehensive eye examination reveal a lot more about your physical health than just vision problems. Read here to know how.

  • Cloudy Eye
    Cloudy eyes are symptoms of cataracts which causes clouding of the lens inside the eye. This condition can be corrected with a cataract surgery. Generally, older people develop cataracts. However, if young people develop cataracts it may be an indication of either diabetes, tumors or any side effects of certain medications.
  • Blurred Vision
    Blurred or unclear vision may be a sign of diabetes. If it isn’t controlled well, it may further result in diabetic retinopathy – a condition in which tiny blood vessels in your eyes leak certain fluids and blood.
  • Abnormal Blood Vessels in Retina
    If you suffer from high blood pressure, the minute blood vessels in the retina twist and kink. In a condition called as A-V nicking, the retinal veins develop dents in their normal shape. This indicates a high risk of a deadly stroke.
  • Sudden Instances of Blurry Vision
    Abrupt loss of vision may be a sign of irregular blood flow to your eye or your brain. Even if your vision goes back to normal quickly, it might still be a warning sign of the initial phase of a migraine or a stroke. Immediate medical attention is advisable in such cases so as to prevent any serious damage to your health.
  • Yellowish Eyes
    Yellowish eyes and skin are indicative of jaundice. This means you may have liver problems caused by increased levels of bilirubin produced by your liver when it is damaged or inflamed. Chronic alcohol abuse, infection, cancer, improper dietary habits are some of the common reasons for liver damage.
  • Night Blindness
    If you are experiencing difficulty in seeing in low light like at night, you may be suffering from night blindness. It may be indicative of cataracts or poor vision which may be corrected with the help of prescription glasses. It may also indicate a deficiency of Vitamin A in your body. Add superfoods that are rich in Vitamin A to your diet such as carrots, spinach, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, etc.
  • Dry Eyes
    Various factors are responsible for causing dry eyes – hormonal changes, environment or the amount of time you spend staring at digital screens. If you spend hours staring at your laptop, smartphone or any other kind of digital screens, your eyes are at a greater risk of developing digital eye strain. Your eyes become dry, irritated and red if you don’t blink for a long time. Certain forms of arthritis are also linked with dry eyes.
  • White Spots on Cornea
    Those who wear contact lenses are at a greater risk of developing corneal ulcers. White spots on the cornea are one of the most prominent symptoms. As a contact lens wearer, your risk of developing white spots on your cornea increases if you often sleep with your contacts on. Ask our vision experts about Lasik eye surgery. It is an almost painless vision correction surgery which will help you see your best without the hassles of prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Your eye doctor can help you determine more about your physical well-being than just the right set of prescription glasses or contacts. Most symptoms which affect your eyes and physical health may be visible to you, but there are some which can only be identified by an eye doctor. In a nutshell, your eyes reveal a lot about your overall physical well being. Hence, it is crucial that you get your eyes checked periodically.

We at InSight Vision Center in Fresno, CA are more than happy to help you with any eye health-related problems or queries. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye check up today.

millenials-to-conside-Lasik-eye-surgery

Are you inconvenienced by your glasses or contact lenses?

The millennial generation’s lives are shaped largely by their dependence and use of modern technology and social media. It is therefore needless to say that the digital age has impacted every aspect of their lives, mainly their eye health which is jeopardized due to constantly staring at screens for long durations. But the chances of a millenial having a long-term view on their eye health are very slim when they have coffee sessions, biking, hiking, video games, gym and so many more activities to keep them occupied.

Fast-paced living nowadays has made wearing spectacles and contacts more of a hindrance than ever before. Millenials are also a lot more open to scientific breakthroughs than ever before making them a lot readier to embrace modern solutions.

Here are 6 Reasons Why You Should Consider LASIK Eye Surgery:

  1. LASIK Eye Surgery Supports Your Active Lifestyle
    Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is very important for most millennials nowadays. Staying fit through various means like sports, dance and gym are becoming increasingly popular. Wearing glasses can be a hindrance in most sports, even if you’re used to playing sports with glasses, the constant adjustments may hinder you. Wearing contacts can be detrimental to your health as there’s always the offhand chance that your contacts may start to dry out despite the fact that they offer peripheral vision.
    You won’t have to worry about packing your eye drops or glasses cases every time you go out with LASIK.
  2. LASIK Eye Surgery Gives You Confidence
    Being called “four eyes” as a child is pretty common but the teasing and bullying that comes of this leads to a social stigma around wearing glasses and can lead to low self-esteem in adult life. We’re not saying that wearing glasses is bad but why should you wear them if you don’t want to? LASIK eye surgery gives you the confidence to go out in public with no fear.
  3. LASIK Eye Surgery Saves You Money in the Long Run
    A lot of you may think that having LASIK surgery done is expensive but it is just a one-time cost when you look at it in the long term as contacts and glasses have to be checked and replaced constantly every few months. If you want to find out about the cost benefits of having LASIK surgery, visit our professionals at InSight Vision Centre today! Investing in LASIK eye surgery in Fresno will save you a lot more money in the long run.
  4. Recovery Time is Minimum
    Most millennials have busy work schedules and social lives which requires that they can only take minimal time off as they probably won’t get as much leave as their more experienced colleagues. But luckily for you, LASIK eye surgery itself does not take that long and the recovery time is also pretty short, so you don’t have to take that long of a leave.
  5. LASIK Eye Surgery is Safe
    LASIK eye surgery is very safe and technology has helped to improve the safety factor even more. The risks have been reduced due to technology and the benefits have only increased. Using contact lenses can cause infections and dry eyes, and glasses and allergies can limit your ability in maintaining an active lifestyle. All procedures carry a certain risk, but this risk is very minimal with the LASIK procedure.
  6. LASIK Eye Surgery Gives You Convenience
    No matter how long you’ve worn glasses or lenses-the fact is that they are inconvenient at times. Physically active people may tend to be inconvenienced by glasses and contact lenses more than others and LASIK eye surgery will remove this hindrance and give you the freedom to enjoy what you love.

Having LASIK eye surgery done when you’re young will help your body to naturally heal faster. The earlier you have your surgery done the more time you will have to enjoy the benefits of it.
There has never been a better time to have LASIK eye surgery done, to find out if you are eligible to enjoy the benefits of LASIK eye surgery, contact our ophthalmologist at InSight Vision Center in Fresno today!

Blurry vision

Blurred vision can be a result of numerous health conditions. It may be temporary or permanent, with the condition worsening over time. Some people can have blurry vision from birth due to a congenital disability, while others develop one over time. Long-term medical issues are typically to blame for the blurred vision that gradually gets worse. Most frequently, a single event is what causes sudden blurry vision.

Blurry vision can be corrected through LASIK eye surgery, or sometimes naturally, based on how common or serious the problem is, which generally depends on the causes. In this article, we will discuss both the causes for blurry vision & sudden blurry vision along with the natural and medical cures available. Continue reading Sudden Blurry Vision: Causes and Cures

A majority of us are guilty of ignoring sore and irritated eyes. While the ‘staying fit’ wave has engulfed most of us, eye health remains the most neglected aspect of our physical fitness. Sore, painful and red eyes may all be indicators of a more serious problem other than mere eye strain. They may be indicators of the Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition whereby the tear ducts don’t produce enough tears to retain the normal level of lubrication. This eye health issue is related to dehydration because the eyes lose their ability to make tears. An adequate and consistent layer of tears on the surface of eyes is vital for the normal functioning of your eyes. If neglected for long, this may turn into a chronic syndrome.

Let’s understand the various symptoms, treatment options and how you can prevent this eye health issue with the help of some simple yet effective tips.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

  • Sore Eyes
  • Pain and irritation in the eyes
  • Burning or a constant urge to scratch
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Problems in wearing contact lenses

Treatment Options

Here are some of the dry eye treatments which your eye doctor might prescribe:

  • Use of OTC artificial tear solutions can help manage mild cases of dehydrated eyes. Choose preservative-free solutions as they contain minimal additives which can irritate your eyes. It is however the least effective of all the dry eye treatments and you may need to supplement it with additional options to completely treat dehydrated eyes.
  • Conserving tears is another treatment option which can help reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. The tear ducts are blocked temporarily or permanently depending on the severity of your case to retain the available tears in the eyes for a longer period thus reducing the dryness in your eyes.
  • You may also be prescribed eye drops which boost tear production.
  • If you are suffering from ocular surface inflammation, your ophthalmologist might prescribe ointments, warm compress, eye drops, eyelid cleaners or lid massage which helps reduce the inflammation.

Tips for Prevention

Here are some simple yet effective tips to help prevent your eyes from drying out.

  • The simplest solution is to drink plenty of water. This will avoid dehydration and in turn keep your eyes from drying out.
  • Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently. This is crucial especially for those who work with digital screens. Blinking less results in or worsens the dry eye syndrome.
  • Take frequent breaks while working on digital screens for long hours. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 seconds look away from your screen and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help protect your eyes from digital strain.
  • Always wear good quality sunglasses when stepping out in the sun. This will protect your eyes from dry winds and harmful UV rays. Give preference to the wrap-style frames as these will give maximum protection against wind, dust and any other irritants which may cause or make the dry eye syndrome worse.
  • In terms of nutrition, you can add fish such as salmon and sardines to your diet. The nutrients in fish oil can help relieve dry eyes.
  • Make it a point to clean your eyelids when you wash your face before going to bed. You can use a warm compress or pre-moistened eyelid wipes available in the market to clean away the bacteria that may cause meibomian gland problems which leads to the dry eye syndrome.
  • Those who wear contact lenses need to be more careful as it may be difficult to gauge whether the dry eye condition is causing contact lens discomfort or the lenses are causing dry eyes. So, if you are wearing contacts and experience dry eyes, its best to discontinue wearing them while your eye treatment is in progress. You can also ask your eye doctor for Lasik eye surgery. It’s an almost painless vision correction surgery which helps you see your best.

If you too are experiencing blurred vision or other symptoms of dry eye since long now, get in touch with us at InSight Vision Center in Fresno, CA, today. Our team of professionals will help you with every query and vision related problem you might have.

The holiday season is inching closer. Are you still struggling to make up your mind regarding what gifts to give your loved ones? Well, we would like to make a unique holiday gift suggestion. Gifts don’t always have to be materialistic and, most of the times, a thoughtful gesture goes a long way. If you know someone who has been wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses for years, you can gift them a wonderful gift this holiday season — vision correction through LASIK eye surgery

LASIK in Brief

Laser-assisted, in-situ keratomileusis a.k.a LASIK is a pain-free refractive surgery that helps in correcting various vision deficiencies. You can be assured of having a clear vision post-surgery.

Trained ophthalmologists conduct this surgery by creating a small incision to access the inner tissue of the cornea and gently reshaping the eye’s curvature to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. The LASIK surgeon can also remove the clouded lenses called cataracts and replace them with artificial lenses.

5 Reasons Why LASIK makes an Exceptional Gift

Let us look at some benefits of LASIK eye surgery that your loved ones can enjoy:

  1. It is PermanentIf you plan on giving clothes or electronics, they won’t last long. Even experiential gifts like holidays or massages have a short life. LASIK is a permanent gift where the recipient will be benefiting for years to come.
  2. Quick and Pain-Free MethodA beam of laser passing through the eye does sound painful and might make you think twice about your gift. But, fear not, as LASIK is not a painful surgery nor does it take time. It is quick and can be completed in just a matter of minutes. Some people might experience mild discomfort, glare and dry eyes for up to two days following the surgery, however, once the 2 day period is over, their vision will immediately be made more clear!
  3. Procedure is SafeLASIK is an extremely safe procedure with a success rate of 99.98 percent. With almost negligible surgery risks, you wouldn’t have to second guess about giving this corrective eye surgery as a gift to a loved one.
  4. Perfect Gift for a TravellerIf the recipient is an avid traveler, then they would really appreciate LASIK eye surgery as a gift. Traveling can get quite cumbersome when you have to handle spectacles, contact lenses, contact lens solution, contact lens cases, spectacle cases. Phew! Missing out on even one of those items would either mean traveling with a blurry vision or putting the eyes at a risk of infection. LASIK eliminates the need to carry all that! You would help your loved ones travel light and see the world clearer.
  5. Cost-Efficient in the Long RunWhen your loved one receives LASIK as a gift, they would not only enjoy clear vision but also heavier pockets. They would no longer have to spend on prescriptions, broken frames, contact lenses and solution, etc. The cost of these adds up over the years — all of which will be eliminated once they get LASIK.

To know your candidacy for LASIK, call InSight Vision Center at 559-449-5050, a world class ophthalmology and eye care center in Fresno.

great eye health

Your organs tend to get weaker and lose their functionality as you age, and eyesight is no exception to this rule. As you grow older and your eyesight weakens, it becomes susceptible to infections, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degenerative eye diseases. Though we’re aware of this fact, what we don’t realize is that our habits also affect our eye health significantly. Here are 10 simple changes you must make in your daily routine if you want to improve your eye health: Continue reading 10 Changes You Must Make in Your Routine for Great Eye Health

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK surgery, has gained tremendous popularity over the years. This form of refractive surgery helps to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

The purpose of LASIK eye surgery is to refract or to bend light rays entering the eye at a certain angle (and in a particular direction). Depending on the specifics of an eye problem, tiny amounts of tissue are removed from the cornea to give it a steeper, flatter or more rounded curvature. This improves the way your eye focuses light onto the retina and ensures proper vision.

Your eye doctor will take many factors into consideration before deciding if you’re a good candidate for LASIK treatment. Along with your prescription, eye health, and cornea’s shape and thickness, your age will also be taken into account.

Is There a Right or Wrong Age for LASIK Vision Correction?

Let’s look at how age affects your suitability for LASIK eye surgery:

    • Childhood & Teen Years – A child’s eye is constantly changing shape, and their vision keeps adjusting to these changes during their developing years. Their eyes are not fully developed till they reach adulthood, and any form of corrective eye surgery may only provide temporary correction of visual symptoms or issues.

      In addition, LASIK is considered an elective surgery that may not be performed till the age of 18 in most cases. However, the treatment has been used to correct severe vision problems such as “lazy eye” in children and teenagers, especially when conventional treatment with glasses or contact lenses proves ineffective.

 

    • Early & Late Adulthood – By your late teens, your eyes have stopped growing and changing shape, and vision changes are usually minor. Still, most eye doctors suggest waiting till your mid 20s before getting eye surgery, since your prescription may still change. Generally, patients between the ages of 25 and 40 are considered to be at the ideal age for LASIK.

      However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get LASIK surgery earlier. If you suffer from vision problems but have had a stable prescription for 2 years, lasik eye surgery could be the right choice. It’s also ideal if corrective glasses/lenses are impractical for your profession, e.g. working in the military, law enforcement, sports, etc.

 

    • Middle-Aged Patients – After the age of 40, your vision may start changing again due to age-related factors. Vision correction procedures are generally preferred at a younger age, but can still be performed between 40-55 years of age depending on your medical history, eye health, and any family history of diabetes, glaucoma or corneal diseases.

      You may also face conditions such as presbyopia with advancing age, where the lens of your eye becomes rigid and you have difficulty focusing on nearby objects without reading glasses. This is a natural part of the aging process, but presbyopia cannot be treated with LASIK eye surgery.

 

  • Senior Years – There isn’t a fixed upper limit for LASIK laser eye surgery, but older patients may have age-related complications that prevent them from being good candidates. After the age of 60, you’re at higher risk for vision loss due to cataracts, and you should first get cataract surgery to replace your eye’s natural lens.

    You can get LASIK even after the age of 60-70 if you have clear eyes, but other conditions such as diabetes, eye diseases such as glaucoma or corneal disease, and certain types of medication also need to be taken into account. These may make eye surgeries such as LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) unsuitable.

The bottom line about LASIK for different age groups? There really is no one-size-fits-all answer. If vision loss is affecting your quality of life, an eye exam and consultation with the experts at Insight Vision Center can help you find out if you’re a good candidate for Lasik in Fresno. Book your appointment with us today!

A healthy vision is essential for the development of every child. A weak vision or eye problems will affect a child’s learning ability and personality, in addition to changing his/her ability to tackle school work. The next time you take your child for a health check-up, make sure you include eye tests too.

Here are a few common eye problems in children:

Amblyopia

Also known as ‘lazy eye,’ amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that appears to be normal. Crossed eyes and different refractive errors between both eyes cause amblyopia. It should ideally be treated before the age of 8, after which it can cause irreversible visual loss in the affected eye.

Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. If detected early, the vision can be restored by patching the properly aligned eye, forcing the misaligned eye to work. It can be corrected through surgery or specially designed glasses too.

Refractive errors

When the shape of the eye doesn’t refract the light properly, images will appear blurred. Refractive errors can also cause amblyopia. Common refractive errors include:

  • Nearsightedness: Also called myopia, nearsightedness is poor distance vision when you can’t see things that are at a distance.
  • Farsightedness: When you have trouble seeing close objects, it’s called farsightedness or hyperopia.
  • Astigmatism: This causes an imperfect curvature of the front surface of the eye, which makes the objects appear either ‘stretched’ or ‘shrunk.’

Prevention is better than cure, so it’s best to catch problems when they are in their nascent stage and prevent eye problems before they happen. Here are a few essential tips for helping your child develop and maintain healthy vision:

Watch for Warning Signs

A child may not recognize eye problems, so look out for signs of vision impairment. Visit an eye doctor if your child is squinting, rubbing eyes excessively, closing one eye, or tilting their head while reading or watching TV, sitting too close to electronic screens or holding books closer than usual, etc.

Encourage Proper Eye Care

Help your little one develop good eye care habits at a young age. Teach them to wash their hands often and avoid touching or rubbing their eyes. Wearing protective eyewear, especially while playing sports, working with tools, and swimming, is another good habit.

Avoid Digital Eye Strain

Children have started using digital screens as much as adults. Digital eye strain can cause a plethora of eye problems. Try and delay your child’s exposure to digital screens or keep them restricted to educational purposes. Try and limit the use of digital screens, especially at night.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

You should take your child to see an eye doctor regularly even if they don’t seem to have eye problems or their school conducts vision screenings. In most cases, symptoms of eye disease or vision problems don’t become apparent right away, and school eye tests may not be thorough.

Upgrade Their Diet

Ensure that your kid is eating a balanced diet. Nutrition is crucial for eye health, especially vitamins A, C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
A balanced diet boosts vision development, as well as preventing obesity and obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, which can affect eye health.

Send Them Outdoors

Playing outdoors instead of being stuck to the TV or computer can help your child’s vision in more than one way. First, it reduces near point stress and digital eye strain. Second, exposure to differing proximities and colors in natural light helps kids develop and exercise their visual senses.
Just make sure they wear sunglasses with 99-100% UV protection outside since excessive UV exposure can lead to eye damage.

Get Protective Eye Wear

Sports are fun, but they can also expose your child to all manner of injuries, especially eye injury. Please encourage them to wear protective goggles or helmet-mounted face shields during contact sports, as well as swimming goggles to protect against chlorine and germs when they’re in the pool. If your child has other hobbies such as wood shop, get the right eyewear to keep them safe.

Encourage Proper Rest – Your child may spend most of their time hitting the books or working on the computer when the school year gets underway, but they need proper rest too. For healthy eyes, please encourage them to sleep well, step outdoors for fresh air and exercise, take frequent breaks while reading and using digital screens, and blink often. If their eyes get enough rest, there’s a lower risk of eye strain, dry eye, blurred vision, headaches, backaches, and more.

Can LASIK Surgery Help Children with Vision Problems?

Many parents wonder whether LASIK eye surgery is safe for children and whether it offers any benefits for developing eyes. Eye surgery should only be performed after your child turns 18, especially elective vision correction procedures such as LASIK.

Mostly this is because a child’s vision may change as they grow, countering the effects of laser eye surgery. In severe cases of vision deterioration, however, LASIK surgery could help your child enjoy clear eyesight and normal development. An experienced eye doctor can help you determine if this is the right choice.

If you want to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child or a consultation for LASIK in Fresno, contact Insight Vision Center today!

astigmatism-vision

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye problem, where the eyeball isn’t perfectly round. It may be slightly football-shaped or look like the back of a spoon instead, which can cause blurred vision. Light entering a normal eye is bent evenly for clear vision, but an irregularly shaped cornea or lens can cause it to bend more in one direction. Since light doesn’t focus on the retina properly, objects may seem blurry, wavy or out of focus, especially at a distance.

Astigmatism Symptoms

Astigmatism causes distorted or blurred vision to some level at all distances. The person will experience astigmatism symptoms such as eyestrain, difficulty in viewing at night due to astigmatism lights and headaches especially after reading or doing any visual task for an extended period. Squinting is another symptom that is commonly seen in people with Astigmatism.

What Causes Astigmatism and How Is It Diagnosed?

Astigmatism takes place when the surface of the cornea or the inner curve of the eye lens is shaped irregularly or changes over time. This often happens during adulthood, but the exact cause is unknown.

The condition can be inherited and is usually present right from birth. Astigmatism may increase or decrease as you age, occur after eye surgery, disease or injury, and even be followed by the development of cataracts. It may also be caused by keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and becomes cone-shaped over time.

A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to diagnose astigmatism, but look out for symptoms such as blurriness, difficulty reading or changes in vision. Refractive eye errors such as nearsightedness/farsightedness can also occur along with astigmatism, and your eye doctor can conduct a variety of tests to find the problem.

Types of Astigmatism

There are 3 types of Astigmatism:

  1. Myopic Astigmatism– One or both central meridians of the eye are nearsighted. If both the meridians are nearsighted, they are myopic in varying degrees.
  2. Hyperopic Astigmatism– One or both central meridians are far-sighted.
  3. Mixed Astigmatism– One central meridian is nearsighted and the other is farsighted.

Astigmatism can also be categorized as regular and irregular. Regular Astigmatism is when the central meridians are 90 degrees away (vertical to each other). In irregular astigmatism, the central meridians are not vertical to each other. Most people with astigmatism have corneal astigmatism, which gives the anterior surface of the eye an oval shape. Irregular astigmatism is either the result of an eye injury that has scarred the cornea or keratoconus, a disease that causes a gradual tapering of the cornea or the aftermath of eye surgery.

Is Eye Surgery Necessary for Treating Astigmatism?

Depending on the degree of astigmatism and your eye health, your optometrist could suggest various options for vision correction. Surgery isn’t always necessary, but it can help you regain clear vision if you have severe astigmatism. If you have slight astigmatism with no vision issues, eye exercises for astigmatism treatment might turn out to be highly beneficial.

Let’s look at the common options for astigmatism treatment:

  1. Corrective Lenses

    Eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct vision problems caused by moderate cases of the condition. Single-vision glasses with a cylindrical lens provide additional power in specific parts of the lens for clear vision at all distances, but bifocal or progressive addition lenses may be prescribed if you’re over 40. Your eye doctor may prescribe special soft contact lenses that bend light in the correct direction, but you may need gas-permeable rigid contact lenses if you have severe astigmatism. However, both glasses and lenses can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for many people, and neither can correct astigmatism completely.

  2. LASIK Surgery

    LASIK or laser in situ keratomileusis is a form of laser eye surgery conducted to remove the underlying flap of the cornea. It corrects vision by refracting or bending light entering the eye, and is often preferred over other refractive surgeries since it only removes tissue from the inner layer of the cornea. In the past, LASIK was considered ineffective for correcting astigmatism completely. With modern advances in technology and eye surgery methods, however, this laser-guided treatment can treat astigmatism as well as other vision problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.

  3. Other Options

    Astigmatism may also be treated with orthokeratology, or ortho-k, where a series of rigid contact lenses are fitted over the eye to reshape the cornea. You need to wear these retainer lenses for a specified period of time, usually overnight, before removing them. Ortho-k can improve vision in moderate cases, but only if you continue wearing the lenses. If you stop wearing them, your vision can return to its original condition. Other options include photorefractive keratectomy or PRK, a form of eye surgery where tissue is removed from the cornea’s superficial and inner layers.

Today, LASIK is one of the most popular choices for permanent and practically painless vision correction. Of course, the right treatment choice depends upon the degree of astigmatism, health of your retina and cornea, as well as your lifestyle and vision needs. Your eye doctor can help you choose what’s right.

To learn more about astigmatism treatment or to book an appointment for LASIK in Fresno, contact Insight Vision Center today!

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