Do you ever find yourself squinting or struggling to focus on words or objects in the distance? Blurred vision, eye strain, and headaches could be signs of astigmatism, a common (but highly treatable) condition. At New York Retina Center, Dr. Brandon Johnson provides compassionate, expert care to help you see clearly and restore complete visual acuity.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye has an irregular shape, more like a football than a perfect sphere. This uneven curvature prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. You might notice difficulty seeing fine details, eye strain after reading, or frequent headaches. Dr. Johnson carefully diagnoses the type and degree of astigmatism to create a personalized treatment plan to restore clearer, more comfortable vision.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Astigmatism:
- Blurred or distorted vision at any distance
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low light
- Eye strain or fatigue after reading or using screens
- Frequent headaches, especially after visual tasks
- Squinting to focus or improve clarity
- Double vision in one or both eyes
- Sensitivity to light (glare or halos around lights)
What Causes Astigmatism?
Your eye works like a finely tuned lens, focusing light onto the retina to create a clear image. In astigmatism, the cornea (the front surface of your eye) or the lens inside has an uneven curve, preventing light from focusing evenly. This distortion leads to blurred or shadowed vision. While some cases of astigmatism are present from birth, others appear over time.
Common risk factors for astigmatism include:
- Genetic factors or family history of astigmatism
- Eye injury or previous eye surgery
- Conditions like keratoconus (thinning of the cornea)
- Natural changes in the shape of the eye with age
When to Seek Treatment for Astigmatism?
If you notice persistent blurry vision, eye strain, or headaches that interfere with reading, driving, or computer work, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Even mild astigmatism can worsen over time or impact your daily comfort if left untreated. At New York Retina Center, Dr. Johnson can evaluate your vision and determine whether glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments can help you see more clearly and protect your long-term eye health.
How is Astigmatism Treated?
Astigmatism can be effectively managed with treatments that correct the uneven focus of light in your eyes. The most common treatments include prescription eyeglasses or specially designed toric contact lenses that compensate for the irregular shape of your cornea or lens.
For patients seeking longer-term correction, refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea to permanently improve focus. At the New York Retina Center, Dr. Johnson carefully evaluates your unique eye structure and visual needs to recommend the safest and most effective astigmatism treatments for lasting clarity.
Schedule Your Consultation
New York Retina Center is led by Dr. Brandon Johnson, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina specialist with over 15 years of experience. Having trained at Wills Eye Institute and Emory University, Dr. Johnson leverages his advanced surgical skills to provide the highest level of eye care. If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or difficulty focusing, schedule your personalized astigmatism consultation in Manhattan today.
