Astigmatism Explained in Layman’s Terms
So many times when you visit an eye doctor, they bring up terms that the average person has no idea what they mean. Many patients are averse to asking what a term means, assuming that they’re the only ones who don’t know. At Stam & Associates Eye Care, we strive to ensure that our patients are educated and informed. To that end, here is astigmatism explained in a way that the average person can understand.
What is Meant by Astigmatism?
Imagine that your eyeball is a tennis ball. Healthy eyes are relatively round, for the most part. Maybe not as perfectly round as a tennis ball, but pretty close.
In people with astigmatism, the eyeball is elongated. The shape resembles a football more than a tennis ball. Now, that’s all well and good, except that it’s not great for seeing.
How Do People See?
People have eyesight because light enters the eye and falls back onto the retina, at the back of the eye. But when the eye isn’t circular, the light isn’t brought into focus correctly. So a person with astigmatism will either be near-sighted or far-sighted, because the curvature of the eye isn’t even. They may also have other vision imperfections, such as distortion.
How do I Know I Have It?
You may be aware that your vision is blurry, but you may not realize you have astigmatism until youroptometrist in Jacksonville, FL diagnoses it. Your eye doctor can then recommend the best corrective vision options that may counter the issues that astigmatism is causing you.
If it’s been some time since your lasteye exam in Jacksonville, FL, why not book one today with Stam & Associates Eye Care? We’re here to answer all your questions about astigmatism and other eye health conditions.
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