Achieve clearer vision and reduce discomfort with expert care for astigmatism at Vantage Eye Consultants. Astigmatism often causes blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches, impacting daily activities. Dr. Enoch Nam, a trusted board-certified cataract surgeon and cornea specialist, offers advanced treatment options to help you see your best.
Correct Blurred or Distorted Vision
Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Those with astigmatism may experience symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing at night. This condition can make focusing on fine details challenging and impact daily life. Dr. Nam at Vantage Eye Consultants offers advanced solutions for astigmatism, including femtosecond laser (Catalys) treatments, toric intraocular lenses, and light-adjustable lenses, providing patients with a tailored approach to achieve clearer, sharper vision.
Common Symptoms of Astigmatism:
- Blurry or distorted vision at all distances
- Frequent eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches, especially after reading or screen time
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Squinting to improve focus
- Trouble distinguishing fine details
How Do You Treat Astigmatism?
Femtosecond Laser Surgery
Laser-assisted surgery, using the advanced femtosecond laser, is a precise and effective treatment option for astigmatism correction. During this procedure, Dr. Nam uses the Catalys laser system to create highly accurate incisions on the cornea, which helps reshape it to reduce the effects of astigmatism. If you also have cataracts, the femtosecond laser can also be used to fragment the cataracts for easier removal with optimal surgical precision. This allows Dr. Nam to tailor the treatment to your eye’s needs, leading to improved vision quality.
Advanced Intraocular Lenses
Dr. Nam also offers specialized intraocular lenses (IOLs) to correct astigmatism and improve visual outcomes. The two types of advanced IOL options available are:
Toric Lenses:
Toric lenses are designed specifically to correct astigmatism by compensating for the irregular curvature in your cornea. This type of lens aligns with your eye’s unique shape, providing clearer and more stable vision across different distances. Toric lenses can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contacts after surgery.
Light-Adjustable Lenses:
Light-adjustable lenses offer the unique benefit of post-surgical customization. After implanting the lens, Dr. Nam can fine-tune your vision by adjusting the lens with light treatments in a few short, non-invasive sessions. This allows for greater flexibility, letting you choose the level of correction that best suits your vision goals.
Astigmatism FAQs
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being perfectly round, the eye’s surface may be more oval, leading to light entering the eye unevenly. This irregular curvature can be present at birth, develop over time, or occur after an injury.
Can Astigmatism Worsen Over Time?
Yes, astigmatism can change over time. It often progresses slowly, and in some cases, it may increase due to eye changes that come with age. Regular eye exams are important to monitor these changes, ensuring that your prescription or treatment plan is adjusted as needed.
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Dr. Nam uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess the shape and curvature of your cornea and lens. Tests such as keratometry, topography, and refraction provide detailed measurements, allowing Dr. Nam to diagnose astigmatism and determine its severity.
Can Children Have Astigmatism?
Yes, astigmatism is common in children and can be present at birth. It’s important to detect and treat astigmatism early to prevent issues with learning and development, as untreated astigmatism can affect a child’s visual development.
Is It Possible to Have Astigmatism in Only One Eye?
Yes, it is possible to have astigmatism in just one eye. However, in most cases, astigmatism is present to some degree in both eyes. Dr. Nam provides personalized treatment options for both single-eye and bilateral astigmatism to ensure optimal visual outcomes.
What if I Have Cataracts and Astigmatism?
If you have both cataracts and astigmatism, Dr. Nam can address both conditions during cataract surgery. Using advanced techniques such as femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and toric intraocular lenses, he can correct astigmatism while replacing the cloudy lens, reducing or even eliminating your need for glasses post-surgery.
Can I Wear Contact Lenses With Astigmatism?
Yes, specially designed contact lenses, known as toric lenses, are available to correct astigmatism. Dr. Nam will assess your eye shape and curvature to determine the most comfortable and effective lens type for you.
Restore Clearer Vision With Dr. Nam
At Vantage Eye Consultants, Dr. Enoch Nam combines exceptional expertise with the latest in surgical technology to help you achieve clearer, more comfortable vision. As a board-certified cataract surgeon and cornea specialist trusted by his peers, Dr. Nam uses advanced techniques like femtosecond laser-assisted surgery and offers premium intraocular lenses, including toric and light-adjustable options, to ensure optimal results. Take the first step toward restored vision—schedule a consultation with Dr. Nam today.
