Refractive errors are a common problem. Conditions like astigmatism can cause all kinds of vision problems and affect how you see the world around you, leading to problems in your everyday life. But can astigmatism also affect depth perception?
Astigmatism causes distortion when trying to focus by altering light as it enters the eye. This can often blur the edges of objects at different distances and affect your depth perception. If you constantly deal with blurry vision, eye strain, and issues with depth perception, it might be astigmatism.
What Is Astigmatism?
The human eye is a complex organ. It’s designed to capture light and focus it on the retina at the back of the eye. The cornea, the clear and dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye, plays an important role here.
The cornea has a smooth, uniform curve. Light passes through and bends to focus at a single point. This helps your brain create an image of the world around you. However, what if this cornea wasn’t shaped or curved properly?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being rounded, the cornea is shaped like a football. This disrupts how light enters your eye and makes objects appear blurry or distorted.
The Types of Astigmatism
There are two main types of astigmatism:
- Corneal astigmatism: This is when the cornea is curved incorrectly.
- Lenticular astigmatism: This occurs when the lens, the tissue behind the cornea, is irregularly shaped.
Then, either type can be broken down into two other categories:
- Regular astigmatism: This is when the distortion of the cornea has a more uniform, symmetrical pattern.
- Irregular astigmatism: This is when the distortion of the cornea is less uniform, leading to varying degrees of curvature across its surface.
While it’s not entirely understood what causes astigmatism, genetics play a significant role in its development. It can also sometimes develop as a result of an eye injury or keratoconus.
The Signs of Astigmatism
Astigmatism often causes visual distortions. As light enters the eye, the lens or cornea can scatter different light rays. This can quickly lead to:
- Blurriness at various distances
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Double vision in one or both eyes
- Squinting frequently
Recognizing the symptoms of astigmatism can be the first step toward finding treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit an eye care professional.
How Astigmatism Affects Depth Perception
Astigmatism can have a significant impact on depth perception. The irregular shape of the cornea or lens can cause images to appear stretched or blurred. Any activity that requires precise depth perception, like driving or sports, is particularly challenging with astigmatism.
Instead of seeing a clear image, a person with astigmatism might experience smearing effects or double vision. This distortion affects how your brain interprets the visual information.
Normally, when light enters the eye, your brain can use visual cues like clarity and position to determine distance. But with astigmatism, those visual inputs are unclear. The brain receives mixed signals and struggles to figure out exactly how far away some objects are.
This disruption can easily affect your everyday life. So, if you think you have astigmatism, what should you do?
Can an Optometrist Treat Astigmatism?
If you’ve noticed signs of astigmatism, visit your optometrist. They can recommend a range of treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
Corrective Lenses for Astigmatism
If your astigmatism is minor, glasses and contact lenses may help. These are designed to adjust light before it reaches the eye to restore your vision.
However, if your astigmatism is moderate or severe, regular lenses may not work. An irregular cornea can be complex to treat, and you may need a more specialized approach.
Specialty Lenses for Astigmatism
For those cases, specialty contact lenses can be an excellent solution. There are two types of contact lenses for astigmatism:
- Scleral lenses: These are larger than usual contacts. Scleral lenses rest on the whites of the eyes and arch over the cornea without making contact. This unique design creates a smooth optical surface to counteract your astigmatism.
- Toric lenses: These are contact lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism. They’re often made of soft materials and come in both daily disposable and monthly wear options.
These can be a comfortable solution for astigmatism and offer clear vision.
Laser Surgery for Astigmatism
For mild-to-moderate astigmatism, corrective surgery may be the answer. This process removes small amounts of tissue from the cornea to change how it bends light.
However, not everybody qualifies for surgeries like LASIK. You’ll need to schedule a corrective surgery consultation with your optometrist to determine if you are eligible. They’ll work closely with you to find a solution that meets your unique situation.
Get Help for Your Astigmatism
Astigmatism doesn’t have to disrupt your life. With the help of our team at Total Vision Diamond Bar, you can take charge of your eyesight. You deserve clear and comfortable vision, and we’re ready to help! Book an appointment with our team today, and let’s work together to find an answer that works for you.
