Dr Ring explains how we map the cornea and determine suitability when treating astigmatism
Discover more about this condition and how we treat it
Astigmatism is a very common condition caused by imperfections within the eye. Typically, the cornea – the eye’s window – is shaped like a rugby ball rather than a round soccer ball shape.
Astigmatism causes blurred vision at all distances. It can make many tasks more difficult – from close work like reading to distance tasks like driving or watching television. Because of this, many people with astigmatism suffer sore or tired eyes from over-straining them. Headaches are also a common symptom.
Unlike short-sightedness (which only affects distance vision) and long-sightedness (which mainly affects close-up vision), astigmatism affects both distance and close vision. So if you notice objects at all distances seem blurry, this may be the reason.
It is thought that the condition is inherited, so you are more likely to be astigmatic if one or both of your parents has the condition. However, it can also occur as a result of an eye injury that causes scarring on the cornea and may also come about due to the eye condition keratoconus.
Understanding astigmatism
To understand the condition, it first helps to understand how the eye works.
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an imperfection in the eye – usually in the cornea (the clear, front ‘window’ of the eye), but sometimes in the lens. The imperfection changes the way your eye focuses the light rays that pass into it. This can happen when:
- The cornea is an oval ‘rugby ball’ shape rather than a round soccer ball shape.
- The lens is an oval ‘rugby ball shape’ rather than a round ‘soccer ball shape.
When either of these imperfections occurs, it means the light that enters your eye doesn’t have a single point focus. This makes objects at all distances look blurry.
Compare the two images below:
Normal vision
Astigmatism vision
We can diagnose astigmatism with a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
This involves testing the vision and checking the refraction, which shows how the eye bends light.
At Eye Institute, we offer LASIK as a treatment for astigmatism. It’s the safest and most advanced laser eye surgery available in New Zealand.
Astigmatism was previously untreatable with surgery. Particularly in the case of severe astigmatism, glasses and contact lenses were the only options. However, thanks to the advanced laser eye surgery now available, many people can now enjoy permanent vision correction and freedom from the hassles of glasses and contacts.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is caused by either the cornea or the natural lens being a ‘rugby ball’ shape rather than a round shape like ‘soccer ball’.
How does astigmatism affect the vision?
The vision can be blurry for both distance and close up.
How is astigmatism corrected without surgery?
Glasses or contact lenses can correct astigmatism.
Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes, laser vision surgery can now correct astigmatism.
Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts
Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.
Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts
Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.
Choose the option below that sounds most like you to discover your best solution
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Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom
How long does laser eye surgery take to recover?
The laser eye surgery recovery time can take from days to months. It varies significantly based on the treatment type for vision correction.
What are the long term effects of laser eye surgery?
In this video, Dr Peter Ring discusses the long-term impacts of laser eye surgery and other age-related vision problems.
Does laser eye surgery hurt?
Wondering if laser eye surgery hurts? While any surgery can be a daunting prospect, Dr Peter Ring demystifies any concerns you have about laser eye surgery being painful in this post.
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