Astigmatism Near San Fernando Valley, CA

A cornea is typically shaped like a smooth, round baseball. In some patients, the cornea looks more like a football, which is called corneal astigmatism. Sometimes, astigmatism may also occur if the patient has an irregular curvature of the lens (lenticular astigmatism). With both of these conditions, because of the shape of the cornea or lens, it prevents light from properly reaching and focusing on the retina. This creates blurry vision and may be associated with other very common eye conditions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, or both. Astigmatism (regular astigmatism) is genetically inherited or happens because of trauma or diseases (irregular astigmatism). If you have astigmatism and you don’t seek treatment, you may experience common symptoms associated with the condition, such as migraines, headaches, tired eyes, or pain located near the eye muscles.

Luckily, we can easily treat the condition, and once diagnosed, you'll have better vision and live more comfortably. At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, our excellent team of optometrists and ophthalmologists have years of experience diagnosing and treating astigmatism. We provide a variety of services to reduce the symptoms associated with astigmatism and to enhance your vision. For a comprehensive eye exam, please schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Encino or West Hills. We proudly offer excellent treatments and patient-centered care.

Astigmatisms can cause eye strain or potential headaches after reading, watching television, or using your electronic device for an extended amount of time. You may also experience other symptoms, including blurriness, double vision, distortions, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Sometimes, a child may have impaired vision that is associated with astigmatism and instead, is misdiagnosed as a learning disability. Please schedule an appointment if you think you or your child are having trouble seeing clearly or are experiencing any of these symptoms. We can provide a proper diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan.

Astigmatism happens when the cornea or the lens of the eye has more than one curve. Normally, these curvatures should have a round shape, like a soccer ball; however, with astigmatism, the cornea or lens has an egg or football shape. Generally, most people have a genetic predisposition for astigmatism, but it may also develop because of surgery, trauma, or disease. You can also develop it by sitting too close to the TV or by reading in inadequate light. If your eye is shaped differently, it causes the light rays to refract incorrectly on the retina.

Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes several tests to measure how light enters and focuses on the retina. An eye care professional at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley will can perform a visual acuity test using an eye chart to assess clarity at various distances. Additionally, a keratometry test measures the curvature of the cornea, and a refraction test determines the exact prescription needed to correct the vision. These tests help identify the presence and degree of astigmatism, allowing for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, we offer excellent treatment options to help improve eyesight issues caused by astigmatism. Patients can select from prescription eyeglasses, contacts, or laser vision correction surgery. Our skilled group of optometrists and ophthalmologists have years of experience diagnosing and providing treatment plans that work best for you. In some cases, patients may prefer long-term solutions, including PRK or LASIK surgery, to improve eyesight and stop the need for contacts and glasses. If you want to learn more about these surgeries, we can help you schedule a consultation with our expert ophthalmologists to assess if you are a good candidate.

Does astigmatism get worse over time?
Astigmatism can change over time, often stabilizing in adulthood. However, it's important to have regular eye exams, especially if you notice changes in your vision, to monitor and adjust your treatment as needed.

Can children have astigmatism, and how is it treated?
Yes, children can have astigmatism, and it's often present from birth. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting astigmatism early in children. Treatment may involve corrective lenses, and in some cases, orthokeratology, to ensure clear vision and proper eye development.

How is astigmatism diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Our team at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley will use various instruments and techniques, such as a keratometer or corneal topography, to measure the curvature of your cornea and determine the presence and extent of astigmatism.

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, our team is proud to offer excellent diagnostic tests, a caring staff, and advanced treatment options to help manage the symptoms caused by astigmatism. If you experience eye strain, tension headaches, or you have trouble seeing clearly, you might have astigmatism. For a comprehensive eye exam or assessment, please schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Encino or West Hills.