Pediatric Ophthalmology

Astigmatism

In an eye with no astigmatism, the cornea is shaped perfectly round like a basketball, whereas in an eye with astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more oblong like a football. This causes unequal focusing of different parts of an image.

Symptoms

Both distant and close objects can be blurry. A mild amount of astigmatism typically accompanies both myopia and hyperopia.

Causes

Astigmatism is caused by the front surface of the eye (the cornea) being shaped somewhat irregularly.

Treatment Options

Significant astigmatism should be corrected with glasses in children to provide clear vision and/or to help treat amblyopia. Astigmatism is corrected using cylindrical lenses; glasses or contacts can be worn by adults with astigmatism. Like myopia, astigmatism can be greatly eliminated or reduced by refractive surgery such as LASIK, but this is not recommended for any patient under the age of 18.

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