The short answer: Yes, astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Many effective treatments are available to help you achieve clear vision, whether you have mild or severe astigmatism.

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that happens when your cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Whether you have mild astigmatism or more severe astigmatism, understanding your options for vision correction is the first step toward clearer vision.

Astigmatism affects millions of people worldwide. Some people have mild symptoms that barely bother them, while others have severe astigmatism that makes daily activities challenging. Here’s the good news: astigmatism can absolutely be corrected, and today’s treatments work really well.

Understanding Astigmatism: The Basics Made Simple

Astigmatism happens when your eye’s cornea or lens isn’t perfectly curved. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, an irregularly shaped cornea is more like a football. This irregular shape stops light from focusing properly on your retina, which causes blurred vision at all distances.

Most people are actually born with some degree of astigmatism – it’s incredibly common. The condition can also develop later in life due to eye injuries, certain eye diseases, or even after eye surgery.

There are two main types you should know about:

• Regular astigmatism: The most common type, where the cornea curves more in one direction than the other
• Irregular astigmatism: Less common and usually happens because of an eye injury or certain eye conditions

Common symptoms of astigmatism include:

• Blurry vision at all distances
• Eye strain and fatigue
• Headaches
• Trouble seeing clearly both up close and far away
• Squinting to try to see better

Unlike other vision problems that only affect distance vision or near vision, astigmatism usually causes blurred vision no matter what you’re looking at. Corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape, while lenticular astigmatism happens when the eye’s natural lens is irregularly shaped. Some people also have myopic astigmatism, which combines nearsightedness with astigmatism.

Glasses and Contact Lenses: The Go-To Solutions

Prescription Glasses

Prescription eyeglasses are still the most popular way to correct astigmatism. These glasses use special toric lenses that have different powers in different areas to make up for your eye’s irregular shape. Your eye doctor will figure out exactly what prescription you need during a comprehensive eye exam.

Contact Lenses

Toric contact lenses are specially made corrective lenses for people with astigmatism. Unlike regular contact lenses, toric contact lenses are designed with varying powers across different areas of the lens to correct astigmatism. They also have a special weight distribution that keeps them properly aligned in your eye. Many people prefer contacts because they provide a wider field of vision and won’t fog up in changing weather conditions.

Both prescription lens options work great for most people with astigmatism. Your eye doctor can help you decide whether glasses or contacts work better for your lifestyle and your specific type of astigmatism.

LASIK and Laser Surgery: Permanent Solutions

LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis) is the most common refractive surgery for astigmatism correction. During LASIK, a surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in your cornea, then reshapes the tissue underneath to fix the irregular shape that’s causing your vision problems.

PRK Surgery

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is another laser vision correction option. It’s similar to LASIK surgery, but PRK doesn’t require creating a corneal flap, which makes it a good choice for people with thinner corneas.

Most people who get laser surgery see major improvements in their vision. However, some might have residual astigmatism that needs additional treatment or you might still need corrective lenses for the best visual outcome. Good candidates for refractive surgery usually have stable vision, healthy eyes, and realistic expectations about what the surgery can do. Your eye doctor will do thorough testing to see if you’re a good candidate for these procedures.

Other Treatment Options: More Ways to Get Clear Vision

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large, rigid contact lenses that vault over your entire cornea. These specialized lenses work really well for people with irregular astigmatism or severe corneal irregularities that can’t be fixed with regular toric contact lenses.

Cataract Surgery with Toric IOL

For people who are developing cataracts along with astigmatism, cataract surgery with toric IOL (intraocular lens) implantation can fix both problems at the same time. During this procedure, a cataract surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a toric intraocular lens that’s designed to correct astigmatism.

Corneal Relaxing Incisions

Corneal relaxing incisions are small, precise cuts made in the cornea during cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure. These incisions help reshape the cornea and reduce astigmatism.

Some eye doctors might recommend combining treatments for the best results. For example, you might have cataract surgery with intraocular lenses and still need glasses to fine-tune your vision.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Life

Several factors affect which astigmatism correction method works best for you:

• Cost considerations: While glasses and contact lenses cost money over time, laser surgery and other eye surgery options cost more upfront but might save you money in the long run
• Your health factors: Your age, overall eye health, and how severe your astigmatism is all matter when choosing treatment. People with mild astigmatism might do great with glasses or contacts, while those with more complex vision problems might benefit from surgical options
• Lifestyle needs: If you’re active in sports, you might prefer contact lenses or laser surgery for outdoor activities. People who work a lot on computers might find certain treatments reduce eye strain better than others

Make sure to ask your eye doctor about recovery time, potential risks, and what kind of visual outcomes you can expect with each option. Understanding what to expect helps you make the best choice for your situation.

Take the Next Step

Astigmatism is highly treatable, and you have many excellent options for correction. Modern vision correction technology offers solutions for every type of astigmatism, from mild cases to more complex irregular astigmatism or myopic astigmatism. Whether you prefer prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or advanced laser surgery techniques, there’s likely a treatment that fits your lifestyle and gives you the clearer vision you want.

The most important thing you can do is schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a qualified eye doctor. They’ll check your specific type of astigmatism, talk about your goals and lifestyle, and recommend the best treatment approach for your individual needs. With the right treatment, astigmatism doesn’t have to limit what you do or affect your quality of life.

At Visionary Eye Doctors, our experienced team knows that every patient’s vision needs are different. We offer the full range of astigmatism correction options, from the latest toric contact lenses to advanced refractive surgery techniques. Don’t let astigmatism keep affecting your daily life – schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward the clear vision you deserve. Clear vision is totally achievable, and we’re here to help you get there at our convenient locations in Washington, D.C., Rockville, Shady Grove, and Damascus, Maryland.

The quick answer: Nearsightedness (myopia) means you see close objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Farsightedness (hyperopia) means you see distant objects clearly, but close-up objects are blurry. Both are types of refractive error that affect how light rays focus in your eyes, and both are easily treatable with the right vision correction.

Understanding the difference between these conditions helps you recognize symptoms and seek proper treatment from an eye doctor. Let’s explore everything you need to know about these vision problems.

Nearsightedness (Myopia): Everything You Need to Know

What Is Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common refractive error where nearby objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. This happens because your eye’s shape causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that sends electrical impulses through the optic nerve to your brain.

What Causes Myopia?

Nearsightedness occurs when your eyeball is too long or your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) is too curved. This changes where the focal point lands in your eye. Instead of light focusing directly on the retina for normal vision, it focuses in front of it, creating blurry vision when looking at distant objects.

Common Signs of Nearsightedness:

• Squinting to see distant objects clearly
• Difficulty reading road signs while driving
• Sitting close to the TV or movie screen
• Holding books or devices close to your face
• Eye strain and headaches from trying to focus
• Difficulty seeing the board at school or work

How Myopia Affects Daily Activities

Nearsighted individuals often struggle with activities that require distance vision:

• Driving: Difficult, especially at night when road signs are harder to see
• Playing Sports: Difficult when you can’t clearly see the ball or other players across the field
• Entertainment: Watching movies in theaters becomes frustrating without proper vision correction
• Social Situations: Recognizing faces across a room can be challenging

Treatment Options for Nearsightedness

Several effective treatments can restore clear vision for people with myopia:

• Prescription Glasses: The most common solution, glasses with the correct prescription provide immediate, clearer vision for distant objects.
• Contact Lenses: Contacts offer freedom from glasses and a wider field of vision. Daily, weekly, and monthly options are available.
• Refractive Surgery: LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) and other laser procedures can permanently correct myopia by reshaping the cornea.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special contact lenses worn overnight temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts. Visionary Eye Doctors offers Ortho-K treatment for qualified patients.

When Does Myopia Develop?

Nearsightedness often starts in childhood and may worsen during the teenage years as the eyes continue growing. Environmental factors like increased screen time and less outdoor activity may contribute to its development. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring a child’s vision and catching changes early.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Everything You Need to Know

What Is Farsightedness?

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a refractive error where distant objects appear clearer than close-up objects. Unlike myopia, hyperopia causes light rays to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. This makes close-up vision more challenging than distance vision.

What Causes Hyperopia?

Farsightedness happens when your eyeball is too short or your cornea is too flat. This changes how light enters your eye and where it focuses. The focal point lies behind the retina, making nearby objects appear blurry while distant objects may remain relatively clear.

Common Signs of Farsightedness:

• Difficulty reading books, newspapers, or phone screens
• Eye strain during close work
• Headaches after reading or computer work
• Blurry vision when looking at close-up objects
• Fatigue after activities requiring near vision
• Children may have trouble with schoolwork or reading

How Hyperopia Affects Daily Activities

Farsighted vision significantly impacts activities requiring close-up vision:

• Reading: Becomes uncomfortable and tiring without proper correction
• Computer Work and Smartphones: Often cause eye strain and headaches during extended use
• Hobbies: Crafts, sewing, or detailed work become difficult to perform
• Daily Tasks: Simple activities like checking price tags while shopping can be challenging without proper corrective lenses

Treatment Options for Farsightedness

Multiple treatment options can help people with hyperopia achieve clear vision:

• Reading Glasses: Over-the-counter or prescription reading glasses help with close-up tasks.
• Bifocals and Progressive Lenses: These prescription glasses correct both distance and near vision in one lens.
• Contact Lenses: Multifocal contacts or single-vision contacts can correct farsighted vision.
• Refractive Surgery: Laser procedures can reshape the cornea to improve the eye’s ability to focus light properly on the retina.

When Does Hyperopia Develop?

Many people are born with mild farsightedness that may not cause problems until later in life. As we age, the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects. This is why farsightedness often becomes noticeable in early adulthood or middle age, even if it was present from birth.

How Eye Doctors Diagnose Vision Problems

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward a clear vision. During a regular eye exam, your eye doctor will perform several tests to determine if you have a refractive error and what type of vision correction you need.

• Visual Acuity Test: You’ll read letters on an eye chart to measure how well you see at various distances. This helps determine your level of visual acuity.
• Refraction Test: Your eye doctor will use a device called a phoropter to test different prescription lenses. You’ll look through various lenses and tell the doctor which ones make your vision clearer.
• Eye Health Examination: Beyond checking your vision, the eye doctor will examine the overall health of your eyes, including the retina and optic nerve.
  

The American Optometric Association recommends regular eye exams even if you don’t notice vision problems. Many refractive errors develop gradually, and early detection leads to better treatment outcomes.

Why Professional Diagnosis Matters

Online vision tests and self-diagnosis can’t replace a proper eye exam. Only a qualified eye doctor can determine the exact type and degree of your refractive error, rule out other eye health issues, and prescribe the correct treatment. They can also detect other vision problems that might be affecting your sight.

General Eye Health Tips

Taking care of your eyes goes beyond correcting refractive errors. These simple habits can help maintain good eye health and reduce eye strain:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain from close work and screen time.
• Ensure Proper Lighting: Use adequate lighting when reading or doing close work. Avoid working in low light, making your eyes work harder.
• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Most adults should have an eye exam every 1-2 years, or as recommended by their eye doctor. Children should have their first eye exam by age 3, with regular checkups as they grow.
• Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays when outdoors. Long-term UV exposure can contribute to various eye problems.
  

Contact your eye doctor if you experience sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, flashing lights, or other urgent symptoms.

Your Path to Clearer Vision

Both nearsightedness and farsightedness are very common and highly treatable vision problems. The key is getting an accurate diagnosis and finding the right treatment option for your lifestyle and needs.

Whether you’re struggling to see distant objects clearly or finding it hard to read up close, don’t let a vision problem limit your daily activities. Modern treatment options, from traditional prescription glasses to advanced refractive surgery, can help you achieve the clear vision you deserve.

Schedule an eye exam with the qualified eye doctors at Visionary Eye Doctors to determine which type of refractive error you have and explore your treatment options. With the right vision correction, you can get back to enjoying all the activities that matter most to you.

A dilated eye exam is a procedure where your eye doctor uses special drops to widen your pupils, allowing them to see inside your eye more clearly. This examination provides a comprehensive view of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels that isn’t possible during a routine eye exam.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dilated eye exams:

• What happens during the procedure
• What conditions can be detected
• How to prepare for your appointment
• What to expect afterward
• Why these exams are crucial for maintaining your eye health and preventing vision loss

What is a Dilated Eye Exam?

A dilated eye exam is a more comprehensive type of eye exam where your eye doctor uses special eye drops to make your pupils larger. During a routine eye exam, your pupils are natural, which limits how much of the inside of your eye your doctor can see. When your pupils are dilated, they become much wider, giving your eye doctor a clear view of the entire retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of your eye. This view is crucial for detecting many eye diseases and health conditions that might not show noticeable symptoms in their early stages.

The dilation process involves placing special eye drops in your eyes that temporarily relax the muscles controlling your pupil size. These drops cause pupil dilation within 15-30 minutes, and the effects typically last 4-6 hours.

What Happens During Your Dilated Eye Exam?

Understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety about your first dilated exam. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Before the Drops

Your eye doctor will start with a standard visual acuity test and may perform other routine tests. They’ll also ask about your medical history, any vision problems you’ve noticed, and whether you have a family member with eye disease.

Step 2: The Dilation Process

Your doctor will place one or two drops of dilating medication in each eye. You might feel a slight sting for a few seconds, but this is normal and the exam itself is painless. The drops work by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that control your pupil size.

Step 3: The Waiting Period

After receiving the eye drops, you’ll wait 15-30 minutes for your pupils to fully dilate. During this time, you might start noticing some blurry vision and light sensitivity. This is completely normal and temporary.

Step 4: The Examination

Once your pupils are fully dilated, your eye doctor will use special instruments, including a slit lamp, to examine the inside of your eyes. They’ll look at your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels to check for any signs of eye disease or other health conditions.

The entire process usually takes about an hour, including the waiting time for dilation.

What Can Your Eye Doctor See During a Dilated Exam?

A comprehensive dilated eye exam allows your eye doctor to detect potential issues that might not be visible during a routine eye exam. Here’s what they’re looking for:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes, regular dilated exams are crucial for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. This condition damages the blood vessels in your retina and is a leading cause of vision loss in adults. Early detection means early treatment, which can prevent serious vision problems.
• Macular Degeneration: This eye condition affects the central part of your retina called the macula. Macular degeneration can cause significant vision loss, but when caught early through dilated exams, treatments can slow its progression.
• Glaucoma Detection: Your eye doctor can examine your optic nerve for signs of glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Glaucoma often has no early warning signs, making dilated exams essential for detection.
• Other Eye Diseases: Dilated exams can also detect retinal tears, eye tumors, and signs of high blood pressure or other health conditions that affect your eyes.

After Your Dilated Eye Exam: What to Expect

The side effects of eye dilation are temporary but important to understand:

• Duration and Effects: Your pupils will remain dilated for 4-6 hours after the exam. During this time, you’ll experience increased light sensitivity and may have difficulty focusing on close objects. Some people also notice blurry vision, especially when reading.
• Light Sensitivity: Bright light will be uncomfortable during the dilation period. The pupils normally contract to protect your eyes from too much light, but dilated pupils can’t perform this function. Wearing sunglasses, even indoors, can help manage this discomfort.
• Driving Considerations: Many people can drive after a dilated exam, but this varies from person to person. If you’re sensitive to bright light or experiencing significant blurry vision, it’s safer to arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, you may want to bring glasses to your appointment. Some people find contacts uncomfortable while their eyes are dilated.

Who Needs Dilated Eye Exams and How Often?

Everyone should have regular eye exams, but certain factors put you at higher risk for eye disease. Many eye diseases have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making dilated exams often the only way to detect these conditions when they’re most treatable.

For most adults, annual dilated exams are recommended. However, you may need more frequent exams if you have certain risk factors:

• Adults over 40 should have dilated exams annually
• People with diabetes need dilated exams at least once a year
• Those with a family history of eye disease may need more frequent exams
• Individuals with high blood pressure should have regular dilated exams

Even if you only think you need glasses for a refractive error like nearsightedness, a dilated exam can detect other eye problems you might not know about. If you have multiple risk factors like diabetes or a family history of eye disease, your eye doctor might recommend more frequent exams than the standard annual schedule.

Take Control of Your Eye Health

A dilated eye exam is one of the most important tools for protecting your vision and overall eye health. While the temporary side effects might seem inconvenient, the early detection of serious eye conditions can prevent permanent vision loss and help maintain your quality of life.

Many eye diseases develop slowly without causing noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Regular dilated exams give you and your eye doctor the best chance to catch potential issues early when treatment is most effective.

At Visionary Eye Doctors, we understand that comprehensive eye care goes beyond just checking if you need glasses. Our dilated eye exams use the latest technology to provide thorough evaluations of your eye health. We take the time to explain what we’re looking for and what your results mean for your vision.

Don’t wait until you notice vision problems to schedule your next comprehensive dilated eye exam. Early detection is your best defense against vision loss. Contact Visionary Eye Doctors today to schedule your appointment and take a proactive step toward protecting your precious eyesight.