Blurry vision is frustrating enough. But when things look distorted or out of focus at every distance, not just up close or far away, there’s often a specific reason: astigmatism.
This common condition affects millions of people and is one of the leading reasons patients seek vision correction. Keep reading to learn what astigmatism actually is, what causes it, and how the team at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers can help you see more clearly.
What Is Astigmatism?
The cornea is typically round, like a basketball, allowing light to focus cleanly onto the retina at the back of the eye. With astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like a football, with one curve steeper than the other. Instead of light converging at a single point, it scatters across multiple focal points, producing blurry or distorted vision at any distance.
Astigmatism is typically present from birth and tends to run in families, though it can also develop after an eye injury or surgery. Many patients have it alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness, which is why comprehensive eye exams often reveal more than one refractive error at a time. Common symptoms include blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches, particularly after extended screen time or reading.
Astigmatism Treatment Options at Frantz EyeCare
Glasses and toric contact lenses can sometimes compensate for astigmatism, but they don’t correct the underlying issue. For patients who want a more lasting solution, Frantz EyeCare offers several proven surgical options.
Laser Vision Correction
LASIK is one of the most widely chosen treatments for astigmatism. During the procedure, a laser precisely reshapes the cornea so light can focus correctly, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in a single outpatient visit. Most patients notice sharper vision within 24 hours.
KLex (also known as SMILE) is a flapless alternative to LASIK that corrects nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. Because no corneal flap is created, it may be a good fit for patients with active lifestyles or physically demanding jobs.
PRK is another option for patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas. It delivers comparable long-term results through a slightly different surface-based approach.
Lens-Based Options
For patients who don’t qualify for laser procedures, lens-based treatments offer excellent alternatives. The EVO ICL is a biocompatible lens placed inside the eye to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism without removing any corneal tissue. It’s removable if needed and does not cause dry eye syndrome, making it a strong option for patients who do not qualify for LASIK.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is typically recommended for patients over 40 who want to reduce their dependence on reading glasses. The eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with a custom intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects refractive errors, including astigmatism.
Patients who are also developing cataracts may benefit from cataract surgery paired with a toric IOL or limbal relaxing incisions, both of which address astigmatism at the time of the procedure.
Finding the Right Treatment for Your Eyes
With this many options available, the right astigmatism treatment depends on factors specific to each patient: corneal thickness, prescription strength, age, eye health history, and lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why a thorough diagnostic evaluation matters.
At Frantz EyeCare, every patient undergoes a comprehensive exam before any recommendation is made. The goal is to match each person to the procedure most likely to give them the best outcome, not just the most popular one.
See Clearly at Frantz EyeCare
Astigmatism is one of the most common reasons people struggle with their vision, and it’s also one of the most correctable. With multiple proven treatment options available, most patients are candidates for at least one procedure that can significantly reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts.
Schedule a consultation at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL, and find out which astigmatism treatment is right for you.
