Key Takeaways
- Astigmatism happens when the cornea or lens has an uneven shape, which blurs how light focuses.
- Blurry vision, tired eyes, and headaches can point to astigmatism at any age.
- Children may show symptoms like sitting close to screens or rubbing their eyes often.
- A thorough eye exam can measure the curve of the cornea and confirm astigmatism.
- Glasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery co-management can help sharpen vision.
Astigmatism Basics for Calgary Families
Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea or lens has an uneven, oval shape. This causes light to land on your retina in more than one spot, thereby making vision blurry.
If you’re struggling with unclear vision, our team at Dr. Bishop and Associates can help you find clarity during a comprehensive eye exam.
What Is Astigmatism?
Picture a basketball versus a football. A round eye shaped like a basketball focuses light evenly, while an uneven eye shaped like a football causes light to scatter. Astigmatism shows up in kids, teens, and adults, and it often appears alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurry or fuzzy vision at all distances
- Eye strain or tired eyes after reading or screen time
- Headaches, especially near the end of a long day
- Having to squint to bring things into focus
Symptoms in Children
Kids rarely complain that their vision is blurry, as they don’t have the experience to know that not everyone sees the same way they do. This means that the best way to identify vision issues in children is to observe their behaviour. The following are all potential signs of developing problems:
- Trouble reading or losing their place on a page
- Sitting close to the television or holding a tablet near their face
- Frequent eye rubbing, even when they’re not tired
What Causes Astigmatism?
Most of the time, astigmatism comes down to the natural shape of the eye. If a parent has astigmatism, their child has a higher chance of developing it as well.
In some cases, the shape of the eye can change after an injury or eye surgery. Thorough eye exams help track these shifts over time, so that your care stays up to date.
How Eye Exams Detect Astigmatism
As part of a regular eye exam, we perform a few tests that help us identify signs of astigmatism. For instance, we use corneal topography to map out the shape of your eye. We also check how well you can read text at different distances.
When to Book an Exam
Regular family eye care in Calgary keeps small changes from becoming larger frustrations. We always recommend annual eye exams. Many eye conditions are not reversible, so detecting them early allows us to begin treatment and help slow their progression as soon as possible.
You should book a visit if you notice changes in your vision or start to experience headaches. For children, it’s often wise to book an eye exam before school starts, so that they can learn without unneeded difficulties.
Astigmatism Treatment & Vision Options
There are several treatments for astigmatism. Glasses are a simple, reliable option. However, if you’d rather skip frames, contact lenses are also an option.
For adults with stable vision, laser eye surgery co-management is an option that keeps your follow-up close to home.
See Clearly With Dr. Bishop and Associates
Blurry vision doesn’t have to be part of your day. With over 42 years of service to Calgary families, our team at Dr. Bishop & Associates can find the source of the blur and match you with care that fits your lifestyle needs. Book your eye exam today and take the first step toward comfortable, clear vision.
