What is astigmatism? Should I be concerned if I have astigmatism?

Often called stigma or stigmatism, the correct word is astigmatism.  Sounds like some horrible condition of the eyes, doesn't it?  

What is it?  
Astigmatism refers to the shape of your eye. The cornea or clear dome over the front of the eye is shaped like a rugby ball instead of a football.  This causes the image that you see to be blurred.  The more astigmatism, the more blur you experience.  Astigmatism can affect your near or distance vision or could affect your vision at all ranges.  

​How is it corrected?  
Glasses can correct it and also contact lenses can.  Sometimes the astigmatism is so significant that specialty contact lenses will correct it much better than glasses.  A additional cylindrical correction is needed in your prescription to correct your astigmatism.  In contacts, you may need to use "Toric" lenses. 

Do you have astigmatism?  

Want to have better vision?

Phone us today at 01635 528844 to book a comprehensive eye examination to find out more about your eye health, vision and to find out how to give you the clearest vision. 

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