How is Astigmatism Treated?

Published on

June 30, 2021

Astigmatism is an eye condition which causes blurry or distorted vision. Continue reading to learn more about what causes astigmatism, and how it is treated.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error in the eye (similar to myopia--nearsightedness, and hyperopia--farsightedness.) Astigmatism is characterized by unequal curvatures in the lens or cornea. This irregular eye shape leads to blurry vision. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), most people have some amount of astigmatism, though in many cases it is small enough so as not to be noticeable. Astigmatism can be present from birth or develop later on, and the degree of astigmatism in your eyes can both increase or decrease over time.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Astigmatism

In order to receive a proper diagnosis of astigmatism, you must see an eye doctor for a proper eye exam. During this test, the doctor will measure your eyeball and identify places on the lens or cornea that are causing your astigmatism. Once the test is complete, you will receive your diagnosis, and the doctor will help you prepare a treatment plan.

As with other refractive errors, you can wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct astigmatism. If you do not wish to wear glasses or contact lenses, and your astigmatism isn’t too severe, you can consider the surgical route and look into LASIK.

At-Home Exercises Which Can Help Treat Astigmatism

In addition to wearing your glasses or contacts, there are some exercises you can do anywhere that can help treat the symptoms of astigmatism, and may even improve your vision. One exercise commonly used to relieve eye strain is the “20-20-20 Rule”. This entails taking a break for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes spent reading, writing, or looking at a screen to stare at an object 20 feet away.

You can also massage your eye. This is done by placing two fingers on each eyelid, applying gentle pressure, and moving your fingers, slowly, in a circular motion. Alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise.

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I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

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I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

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This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.