Astigmatism Treatment in Huntington Beach

Clarity Eye Group is home to some of the best Orange County cataract surgery experts specializing in the latest surgical techniques, such as phacoemulsification and limbal relaxing incision. Often performed as part of cataract surgery, limbal relaxing incision allows Clarity Eye Group’s surgeons to effectively correct for astigmatism. In fact, eye care professionals of Clarity Eye Group are renowned as some of the best Orange County astigmatism correction experts who have helped thousands of patients from throughout Orange County, including Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Fountain Valley, both eliminate cataracts and correct astigmatism.

Limbal Relaxing Incision: What Is It?

Limbal relaxing incisions are a surgical technique commonly used to treat astigmatism, a condition which occurs when the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye, is misshapen and does not allow the eye to focus properly. A cornea with astigmatism can best be described as being shaped like a football, bulging in the middle and tapered to a point on the ends, rather than the basketball-like shape of a perfectly healthy cornea. Limbal relaxing incisions are made around the edges of the misshapen cornea, allowing our Orange County astigmatism correction specialists to flex and reshape the cornea, rounding the tissue and thus improving vision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Astigmatism

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that causes blurry, distorted vision. It is characterized by abnormal curvature of the cornea, the front cover of the eye. A normal cornea is evenly curved and has a round shape like a basketball. A corneal with astigmatism is unevenly curved with an oval shape, similar to a football. Because of the irregular curvature, light is unevenly focused inside the eye and does not focus properly on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Does astigmatism affect the health of my eyes?

No. Astigmatism strictly affects vision and is not a threat to ocular health.

Why do I have astigmatism?

Astigmatism is extremely common. Nearly everyone has a slight degree of astigmatism, but often it is not severe enough to affect vision. Only moderate to severe astigmatism requires correction.

You may be born with astigmatism, or it may develop after a traumatic eye injury or eye surgery. Serious cases of astigmatism are linked to a degenerative corneal condition called keratoconus, which causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward.

Is there anything I can do to prevent astigmatism?

No, astigmatism cannot be prevented. But fortunately, it is easily corrected.

What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

Astigmatism causes blurry vision at all distances. It can also cause visual distortions; some people with astigmatism describe their vision as similar to what you would see if you looked into a funhouse mirror at a carnival. The blurriness and distortion depends on the severity of the astigmatism.

Other symptoms of astigmatism include eyestrain, headaches and squinting from trying to focus on near or distant objects.

Can astigmatism improve or worsen over time?

Astigmatism can slowly improve or worsen over time. In rare cases in which it steadily gets worse over time, it may be indicative of keratoconus. If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, be sure to get annual eye exams to monitor it.

How is astigmatism diagnosed?

Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. An exam usually includes a visual acuity test using an eye chart as well as the use of special instruments to measure the cornea’s curvature and evaluate how the eye focuses light. The information gathered during the exam helps our doctors determine whether you have astigmatism and if so, the power of lens correction needed for clearer vision.

What are the treatment options for astigmatism?

For many years, glasses were the only viable way to correct for astigmatism. Nowadays, there are several treatment solutions. Glasses are still used and modern contact lenses are designed to provide clear, stable vision. For permanent correction, limbal relaxing incisions can reshape the cornea to properly focus incoming light onto the retina. Another permanent surgical solution is laser vision correction, which uses laser energy to improve the curvature of the cornea.

If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, our doctors will explain the available treatment options and help you decide what is right for your specific circumstances.

If you would like to learn more about astigmatism correction in Orange County, please contact Clarity Eye Group today to schedule a personal consultation with one of our talented cataracts and LASIK Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Orange County surgeons.