Astigmatism in San Antonio, TX

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects the way light is focused on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Recognizing the following symptoms of astigmatism can help in seeking timely treatment and improving visual clarity:

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Eye strain or discomfort, especially after prolonged visual tasks
• Headaches, particularly after reading or using a computer
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night
• Squinting to try to improve focus
• Double vision in one or both eyes
• Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses

Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, preventing light from focusing evenly on the retina. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea may have an oval shape, leading to blurred or distorted vision. This condition can be present at birth or develop over time and may be influenced by genetics, eye injury, or eye surgery. Astigmatism often occurs alongside other refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include tests such as a visual acuity test, keratometry, and refraction. These tests help measure the curvature of the cornea and lens to determine how light is focused on the retina. Advanced diagnostic tools, like corneal topography, may also be used to map the surface of the cornea for a more precise evaluation. This thorough assessment allows eye care professionals at Texas State Optical Bandera to identify astigmatism and recommend the appropriate corrective treatments.