Have you ever noticed blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances? Do you find yourself squinting often, dealing with frequent headaches, or experiencing eyestrain after reading or using digital devices? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans with astigmatism—a very common and treatable vision condition. At Lake Norman Eye Care in Mooresville, NC, Dr. Mason Williams and Dr. Angela Harris specialize in diagnosing and managing astigmatism using advanced technology and personalized care.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error, like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). It occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) or the lens inside your eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, an eye with astigmatism is shaped more like a football. This uneven curvature causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than a single point on the retina, leading to:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Eye fatigue or discomfort
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
Astigmatism can be present from birth or develop over time. It often occurs alongside other vision problems like myopia or hyperopia.
How Optometrists Diagnose Astigmatism
At Lake Norman Eye Care, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools during your comprehensive eye exam to detect and measure astigmatism accurately. These tests may include:
- Corneal Topography – Maps the shape of the cornea to detect irregularities
- Auto-refraction & Subjective Refraction – Determine your prescription needs
- Keratometry – Measures the curvature of your cornea
These non-invasive tests help us understand the exact type and degree of astigmatism you have, which allows us to design a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
The good news is that astigmatism is highly treatable. Depending on your lifestyle and vision goals, your optometrist may recommend one or more of the following:
1. Prescription Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses with specially designed cylindrical lenses correct the uneven focus caused by astigmatism and provide clear, comfortable vision.
2. Contact Lenses
We offer various types of contacts designed specifically for astigmatism, including:
- Toric soft contact lenses – Customized to stay in place and provide clear vision
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses – Offer crisp vision for more severe cases
- Scleral lenses – Great for patients with irregular corneas or high prescriptions
3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
This non-surgical treatment uses specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, giving you clear vision during the day without lenses.
4. LASIK or Other Refractive Surgery
For qualifying patients, we can co-manage laser vision correction surgery that can permanently reshape the cornea and reduce or eliminate astigmatism.
Why Choose Lake Norman Eye Care?
Dr. Williams and Dr. Harris believe that clear vision starts with a clear understanding. We take the time to explain your diagnosis, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your care.
Whether you’re a long-time glasses wearer or are just starting to notice blurry vision, our team is here to help you see your best. We proudly serve families in Mooresville and surrounding Lake Norman communities with compassionate, expert eye care.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
If you suspect you have astigmatism or haven’t had a recent eye exam, we invite you to schedule an appointment at Lake Norman Eye Care. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve your quality of life—and your vision.
Call us at (704) 799-2233
Book online at https://lakenormaneye.com/location/our-location/
Visit us at 197 Medical Park Rd Suite 101, Mooresville, NC 28117
See clearly. Live confidently. Trust your eyes to Lake Norman Eye Care.
— Dr. Mason Williams & Dr. Angela Harris
