We all get a good chuckle from those fun house mirrors that make us appear taller, wider, thinner, or ganglier. But having chronically distorted or blurry vision because of astigmatism is no laughing matter.
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the shape of the eye’s lens or, more commonly, in the curvature of the cornea– the clear, round dome that covers the eye’s iris and pupil. If your cornea or lens isn’t smooth and evenly curved, light rays aren’t refracted properly, leading to blurred or distorted vision, eyestrain, headaches, squinting, or eye discomfort.
Usually, glasses or contacts can correct mild to moderate astigmatism. In the past few years, soft lenses called toric contact lenses have been developed that can correct astigmatism, but those with severe astigmatism may need to use rigid contacts or glasses. In some cases, refractive surgery procedures may also be options for correcting astigmatism.
Leave the warped vision to those crazy carnival mirrors and contact your ilumin eye doctor to discuss astigmatism diagnosis and the treatment options that are right for you.
