Vision Correction
Astigmatism
Correction
Concerned about astigmatism correction? We help you understand symptoms, risk factors, and the right timing for care. Our goal is clear answers and a plan that protects your vision.
- Understand symptoms and when to schedule
- Early detection and careful monitoring when needed
- A plan tailored to your eyes and health history
Quick Summary
- Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens
- Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or in some cases refractive surgery
- Most people have some degree of astigmatism — it is not a disease
- Kennesaw and East Cobb/Marietta — book online or call (770) 499-2020
Last reviewed:
Understanding Astigmatism
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism ranks among the most common refractive errors, affecting nearly 1 in 3 Americans. Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism causes blur at all distances because light focuses on multiple points instead of one. The good news: once properly diagnosed, astigmatism responds extremely well to corrective lenses.
Astigmatism occurs when your cornea or the lens inside your eye has an irregular curvature. A normally shaped cornea is round like a basketball, but with astigmatism, the surface curves more steeply in one direction, similar to a football. This uneven shape bends light at different angles, preventing it from focusing at a single point on your retina.
The result is blurred or distorted vision at all distances. You may notice that both near and far objects appear fuzzy, text seems to ghost or double, and straight lines look tilted. Many people with uncorrected astigmatism also experience chronic headaches, eye fatigue after reading, and difficulty driving at night.
Common Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Eye strain and fatigue, especially after reading
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Squinting to see clearly
Did You Know?
About one-third of Americans have some degree of astigmatism, and most cases are present from birth. Even mild astigmatism can cause noticeable blur and eye strain.
Astigmatism can develop at any age and often changes gradually. Regular exams at our Kennesaw or East Cobb offices ensure your prescription stays current.
Most cases respond well to glasses or contact lenses, and advances in toric lens technology now make contacts an option for even high prescriptions.
Your Options
Astigmatism Correction Solutions
We offer multiple ways to correct astigmatism, from traditional eyeglasses to advanced specialty contact lenses. During your exam, our doctors will measure the exact axis and power of your astigmatism, then recommend options that match your visual needs, comfort preferences, and daily activities. Many patients benefit from having both glasses and contacts for different situations.
Prescription Eyeglasses
Prescription eyeglasses with cylindrical lens power compensate for your cornea's irregular curvature, providing crisp vision at all distances. Our optical team in Kennesaw and Marietta helps you choose from over 800 frames, including designer brands, and can add features like blue light filtering, photochromic transitions, and anti-reflective coatings.
- - Easy to use and maintain
- - Wide selection of frames
- - Can include blue light protection
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric contacts feature different optical powers in different zones of the lens to match your astigmatism. Modern toric lenses use weighted designs or thin zones to keep the lens properly oriented on your eye throughout the day. We offer daily disposables, biweekly, and monthly replacement schedules from major brands.
- - Freedom from glasses
- - Available in daily or monthly options
- - Great for active lifestyles
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K involves custom rigid lenses worn during sleep that gently reshape your cornea overnight. You wake up with clear vision that lasts all day without glasses or daytime contacts. This FDA-approved treatment works well for patients with mild to moderate astigmatism and also helps slow myopia progression in children.
- - No daytime correction needed
- - Reversible and non-surgical
- - May slow myopia progression
Details That Matter
A more helpful guide to Astigmatism Correction
If you are searching for answers about Astigmatism Correction, you are not alone. Eye conditions can feel stressful because they impact your independence and daily comfort. A clear evaluation helps turn uncertainty into a plan.
We start by listening to your symptoms and history, then match testing to what you actually need. That may include imaging, eye pressure checks, and a detailed look at eye structures. We explain what we see and what it means for your next steps.
Some conditions change slowly and simply need monitoring. Others benefit from earlier action. Either way, you should leave with a timeline and a clear sense of what to watch for between visits.
Quick ways to get more value from your visit
- Tell us when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse.
- Bring your current glasses and contacts so we can evaluate vision and comfort together.
- We may recommend dilation or imaging to get a complete view of the eye structures.
- Ask what changes should trigger a call, so you feel confident between visits.
Two convenient locations in Kennesaw and East Cobb/Marietta. Call if you want help choosing the best appointment type.
Common questions
Clear answers help you move forward with confidence.
Is Astigmatism Correction treatable?
Many eye conditions can be managed effectively, especially when identified early. The best plan depends on what we find during your evaluation and how symptoms are affecting you.
What tests might you perform?
Testing depends on the concern, but it may include imaging, eye pressure checks, and a detailed look at eye structures. We explain results in plain language.
Should I be worried about permanent vision loss?
Some conditions do carry risk, which is why evaluation matters. If we see warning signs, we will discuss next steps and help you understand what is urgent and what is simply important to monitor.
Can lifestyle changes help?
Sometimes. Depending on the condition, habits like protective eyewear, screen breaks, hydration, and managing overall health can support comfort and long-term eye health.
Do I need a referral?
In many cases, you can schedule directly. If your insurance requires a referral, our team can help you understand what is needed.
Related resources
If you are exploring options, these pages can help you compare next steps.
Ready for Clear Vision?
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the best astigmatism correction for your lifestyle.