Can Glasses Help with Astigmatism?

Glasses have been around for years. Historians claim Italian monks are responsible for the invention of what we know and depend on today as glasses — way back in the early 1200s. Small magnifying glasses, set or tied into bone or leather, were the beginning design of the glasses we wear today.

It wasn’t until the 1400s that corrective lenses were born. The first pair of lenses helped farsighted individuals. Years later, in 1825, British astronomer George Airy sought to correct his own astigmatism; the curvature of the eye’s cornea that can impact vision. Mr. Airy created the first pair of cylindrical eyeglass lens, and this method became the solution for correcting all cases of astigmatism moving forward.

How Do I Know if I Have Astigmatism?

Astigmatism occurs in about one in three people, but researchers are still unclear about how astigmatism develops. For some, it is hereditary — these individuals are born with a misshaped cornea. Occasionally, intense trauma to the head can cause astigmatism to develop.

The most interesting part about astigmatism? “Everyone has some degree of astigmatism,” states VSP network eye doctor Randall Fuerst. But slight astigmatism doesn’t affect vision or require treatment. In fact, most people likely don’t even know they have it. That is because astigmatism symptoms can be easy to miss. Common symptoms of astigmatism that may make it difficult to self-diagnose are as follows:

     - Headaches

     - Fatigue

     - Distorted Vision

     - Eyestrain

     - Blurred Vision

Is it Astigmatism or Myopia or Hyperopia?

Each of these common eye problems cause distortion or blurry vision, however the causes of each are different.

Astigmatism is the result of a non-spherical cornea. Myopia is the result of a cornea whose focusing power is too high or possibly that the eye size focuses light on the front of the retina. Hyperopia is the result of a weak cornea or possibly that the eye is too small.

If you are experiencing blurry vision, you may want to schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you.

Glasses and Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, there is a solution to the problem. Glasses containing special cylindrical lens prescription can help correct your vision. If you think you have astigmatism that you hope to correct with glasses, schedule an appointment with a VSP network eye doctor. There are five different types of astigmatism that you can be corrected with glasses. In your comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can help determine which type you have.

If you’re looking to save on your next eye exam, consider getting VSP Individual Vision Plans coverage. Find an individual vision insurance plan, customized just for you.

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