A Guide To Astigmatism, For Eyeglass Wearers
Many people around the world suffer from astigmatism, a common vision problem where the cornea - the clear front surface of the eye - is shaped irregularly. The shape of the cornea is more akin to a football, rather than a round shape like a basketball, and that can cause issues when light strikes the retina. This causes light to focus on multiple points on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
A common misconception is that astigmatism is acquired over time, but that’s not always accurate. While some individuals may develop astigmatism if their cornea thins out and changes shape later in life, most cases develop at birth, or through ancillary phenomena like surgery, illness or scarring of the cornea. Regardless of the cause, the effects are largely similar. The resulting distortions can affect the ability to focus on fine details, or cause distorted or wavy vision. This is especially noticeable at night, which is why many who suffer from astigmatism report having difficulty driving after the sun goes down, as opposed to during the day. Over time, symptoms can lead to eye fatigue and strain, which can lead to headaches and other issues.
Therefore, corrective lenses are one of the best ways to remedy astigmatism, while achieving better overall vision. Certain eyeglasses are prescribed with a cylindrical lens that corrects the uneven curvature of the cornea, while bending light more in one direction than the other. This helps compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea, effectively reversing the symptoms by moving in the opposite direction.
If you’re looking for eyeglasses to correct your astigmatism, you’re spoiled for choice. The first step is obviously to get a proper checkup from your eye doctor in order to gauge the level of correctness you’ll need in your next pair of eyeglasses.The prescription will depend on the severity of your astigmatism, as well as any other vision problems you may have. Your doctor may also recommend special lens coatings or tints to reduce glare and improve visual comfort.
From there, it’s time to shop! Make sure to look for eyeglass frames that fit properly and are comfortable to wear, while also sporting durability and reliability. It may be tempting to go for a cheaper pair, but you may pay more over time if they break or wear out. Whichever end of the pricing spectrum you choose, be sure to take note of proper fit.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIT
Frames that are too tight or loose can cause discomfort or headaches, and may even interfere with the corrective lens, so make sure to select only those that fit your face well, and feel snug and secure, yet comfortable. Your particular face shape and structure will play a role here as well, and certain types of eyeglass frames are better suited for different facial types. It’s not just about looking good, although that is a major benefit! Just remember that the best-looking eyeglass frames aren’t worth much if they aren’t well-suited to your face.
DON’T RUSH IT
If you're new to wearing eyeglasses for astigmatism, it may take some time to adjust to your new lenses. Don’t be alarmed if you notice distortion or blurring, which should improve over time as your eyes adjust to the new lens prescription. First-time contact lens wearers know the benefits of going slow, so take a tip from their playbook. Take off your glasses when you start to feel fatigued or uncomfortable, and put them back on when you feel better. This will help your eyes adjust properly to the new lenses. Always make sure to wear your eyeglasses as directed by your eye doctor, and attend regular eye exams to monitor any changes in your vision. Typically, this should be done once every two years.
CONCLUSION
Astigmatism may sound like a scary term, but it’s actually more common than many people think. In the end, it’s just another vision complication in the same vein as myopia or hyperopia (near and far-sightedness), and can be remedied easily with correct eyeglasses. Simply follow the tips above to make sure you know how to choose the right pair of eyeglass frames, and you’ll enjoy your new prescription a lot more, without any complications.
If you’re ready to purchase your next pair of eyeglasses, it’s time to focus on Ocuwear! Our inventory is stocked with the highest-quality designer eyeglass names, all of which are renowned for their impeccable quality, materials and stylish designs. You can even try them out virtually, right on our website, without leaving your own home! Contact us today to learn more, or if you need help choosing the right pair of eyeglasses.