Astigmatism in Cape Coral, FL

Astigmatism is a visual impairment that develops when the clear portion of the eye (cornea) or the lens within the eye is irregularly shaped. When the cornea or lens is abnormally shaped, it prevents light from focusing correctly on the back portion of the eye (retina). The result is blurry or hazy vision as the eyes are unable to focus on objects that are near or far away. The exact cause of astigmatism is unclear, but it is believed that genetics play a factor in its occurrence. At the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. James Croley has helped countless men and women with astigmatism. When you visit our office, Dr. Croley can perform a comprehensive eye exam to confirm your diagnosis and review all of your treatment options to improve your eyesight. Reach out to any of our locations in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, or Bonita Springs.

Common signs and symptoms of astigmatism may include eye discomfort, eyestrain, headaches, distorted vision, and difficulty seeing things up close or far away. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have astigmatism, but these are clear signs that your vision should be examined. When undergoing a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Croley can assess your visual acuity to determine if astigmatism is present or if you are suffering from a different visual impairment, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

Medical professionals don't necessarily understand why some individuals have irregularly shaped corneas or lenses, but they do know that these abnormalities can be caused by genetics, trauma, and certain eye diseases. Astigmatism is often associated with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Since the shape of the cornea and curvature of the lens prevents light from focusing properly on the back of the eye, it can affect one's visual acuity in different ways. 

Astigmatism is often treated with corrective contact lenses or eyeglasses. In many cases, this is all that is needed to correct one's overall vision. However, depending on the severity of your astigmatism and if you are experiencing difficulty with near and far vision, then surgical treatment may be your best option. During your initial visit, Dr. Croley will review your condition and discuss all of your options. Our overall goal is to help improve your ocular health so you can get back to doing the things you love without having to struggle to see. 

If you suspect you may have astigmatism, reach out to the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida in Cape Coral, FL to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. Croley has years of extensive experience in diagnosing and treating those who are suffering from visual impairments, like astigmatism. Don't let the anxiety of not being able to see clearly hinder your overall quality of life any longer. Contact us today.