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Astigmatism Treatment
for St. Petersburg & Clearwater, FL

Astigmatism results from an imperfect shape in the cornea. Instead of being evenly rounded and curved, the cornea has an irregular or bulging shape. Light is supposed to pass through the cornea and lens in the front of the eye, and come into sharp focus on the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea is irregular, both near and far objects appear blurry. Images may additionally appear distorted.

Astigmatism Treatment for St. Petersburg, FL
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Astigmatism Contact Lenses

It’s not known why some eyes are astigmatic and others aren’t. It is possible for astigmatism to develop after a disease or injury affects an eye, or it has gone through surgery. Astigmatism itself is a correctable condition that does not indicate a disease of the eye. The eyesight can usually be corrected with either glasses or special contact lenses.

Contact lenses for astigmatism have different zones in the contact lenses to correct for near or far vision.

These zones may be arranged like concentric circles or the correction for near vision might rest at the bottom of the lens. This last kind of lens is called a toric lens and it is specially designed so the near-vision zone remains properly positioned downward.

Contacts for astigmatism must be carefully fitted to a patient to ensure they fit over the irregularly-shaped cornea and properly correct a person’s vision.

Eye Exams in the Tampa Area

Astigmatism Symptoms

If a person notes these signs, they should consult with their doctor to learn if they are astigmatic:

  • Blurry vision
  • Some parts of vision are distorted
  • Eyestrain or discomfort
  • Having to squint to see clearly
  • Headaches

Children in particular should receive eye examinations early because they may be astigmatic but not complain about it.

Vision Care in the Tampa Area

Astigmatism Surgery

There are multiple types of surgery that can correct astigmatic vision. The first is astigmatic keratotomy, a procedure that places microscopic cuts in the most steeply-distorted areas of the cornea. This procedure allows the cornea to take on a more evenly-rounded shape.

Astigmatism LASIK

The second type of surgery is LASIK for astigmatism. LASIK is an incredibly precise method of reshaping the cornea. It can be used to correct near vision, far vision or astigmatism. If you and your eyes are in good health, if you do not require a very strong prescription to correct your vision, and your prescription does not change frequently, you are likely to be a good candidate for this surgery.

Please call us to learn more about astigmatism and surgical correction of this problem. In Largo, Florida, you can schedule an appointment with Drs. John or Louis Michaelos or one of their world-class colleagues. Call 727-585-2200 today to get started.

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1030 W Bay Dr Suite 200
Largo, FL 33770