Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing the eye to focus an object on two different points within the camera system of the eye. The retina is like the camera film in the eye and with astigmatism, the vision is impaired as the images from two different images are attempted to be focused at the same time.

The normal cornea is dome-shaped, like a basketball and bends light equally across the entire surface of the corneal lens. Astigmatic corneas are shaped more like a football. With a distorted cornea shaped like a football, the image the patient sees is distorted into a longer shape in one plane vs. the other. This is true with vision when looking at objects close-up and far away.

The cause of astigmatism is unknown. Mild astigmatism usually doesn't need to be corrected. At Sioux Falls Family Vision, our doctors use eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery options to correct moderate to high degrees of astigmatism.

A vision examination will tell you if you suffer from astigmatism. A consult with our doctors can help you determine which form of treatment is best for you. The good news is that there continues to be improved products and options for this condition in glasses, contacts and in new surgical procedures and implants.