Astigmatism Center - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Eye Doctor Doctors for AstigmatismType of Physician: Eye Doctor What is a Eye Doctor? A certification by the Board of Ophthalmology; practitioners provide comprehensive eye and vision care. They are trained to diagnose, monitor and medically or surgically treat all eyelid and orbital problems affecting the eye and visual pathways, and to diagnose, monitor and treat all eye and visual disorders. They often prescribe vision services (glasses and contact lenses) as well as serve as a consultant to physicians and other professionals. Specialty: Ophthalmology Common Name: Eye Doctor Eye Doctor Doctors in Bellingham * Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology LLC  Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology LLC  Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology LLC  J R Tisdall MD  Northwest Eye Clinic  Northwest Eye Clinic  Northwest Eye Clinic  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Bellingham Eye Physicians PS  Island Eye Physicians & Surgeons  Island Eye Physicians & Surgeons  North Cascade Eye Associates  North Cascade Eye Associates  North Cascade Eye Associates  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Terry J Lee MD  Harman Eye Clinic  Harman Eye Clinic  Pacific Eye Care  Everett Clinic Main Campus  Everett Clinic Main Campus  Physicians Eye Clinic  Everett Clinic Main Campus  Everett & Flodstrom MDs  Everett & Flodstrom MDs  Cascade Eye MDs  Cascade Eye MDs  Edmonds Eye MD  David F Peck MD  Brian Takagi MD  Eye Clinic of Edmonds  Pacific Eye Care  Retina Consultants of Seattle  Pacific Retina Specialists  Pacific Retina Specialists  Pacific Retina Specialists  Bartlett Eye & Laser Clinic  Eye Associates Northwest  Northgate Eye Center  Accredited Eye Center  Northgate Eye Center  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Pacific Medical Centers  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Pacific Medical Centers  Northwest Eye Surgeons PC  Virginia Mason Kirkland  Northwest Vision Institute  Evergreen Eye Care  Children's Eye Care PLLC  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  Eye Clinic of University Village  Puget Sound Eye Care  UWMC Cosmetic Surgery Center  UWMC Cosmetic Surgery Center  Washington Pacific Eye Associates  Allure Laser Center & MediSpa  Allure Laser Center & MediSpa  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  Doctors Clinic  UWMC Eye Center  UWMC Eye Center  Doctors Clinic  Group Health Eastside Primary Care Clinic  The Children's Eye Doctors  Group Health Ophthalmology  Group Health Ophthalmology  Seattle Eye MDs  Seattle Eye MDs  Pacific Medical Centers  Howard S Barnebey MD  Richard Bensinger MD  Eye Associates Northwest  The Polyclinic Ophthalmology  Vitreoretinal Associates  Virginia Mason Seattle Main  Virginia Mason Seattle Main  Virginia Mason Seattle Main  Seattle Ophthalmology PLLC  Glaucoma Consultants  Eye Associates Northwest  Kim S Mallick MD  Neuro-Ophthalmic Consultants Northwest  Eye Associates Northwest  The Polyclinic Ophthalmology Bellingham, WashingtonUpcoming Local Events2012-06-03
2012-06-16
2012-06-17
2012-06-30
2012-07-08
2012-07-28
2012-08-18
2012-08-18
2012-09-28
2012-10-08
AstigmatismRead the Astigmatism article » What Is Astigmatism?Astigmatism is a common eye condition that's easily corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. Astigmatism is characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea. This is one type of refractive error. Astigmatism occurs in nearly everybody to some degree. For significant curvature, treatment is required. A person's eye is naturally spherical in shape. Under normal circumstances, when light enters the eye, it refracts evenly, creating a clear view of the object. However, the eye of a person with astigmatism is shaped more like a football or the back of a spoon. For this person, when light enters the eye it is refracted more in one direction than the other, allowing only part of the object to be in focus at one time. Objects at any distance can appear blurry and wavy.
What Causes Astigmatism?Astigmatism can be hereditary and is often present at birth. It can also result from pressure from the eyelids on the cornea, incorrect posture or an increased use of the eyes for close work.
What Are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?People with undetected astigmatism often experience headaches, fatigue, eyestrain and blurred vision at all distances. While these symptoms may not necessarily be the result of astigmatism, you should schedule an eye exam if you are experiencing one or more symptoms. How Are Astigmatisms Diagnosed?Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose astigmatism with a thorough eye exam. Astigmatism may occur with other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Unfortunately, astigmatism often goes undetected in school-age children. Because astigmatisms may increase slowly, you should visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist whenever you notice significant changes in your vision. Optometrists are tra... Recommended Reading Related to AstigmatismWhat is LASIK?LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis, which means using a laser underneath a corneal flap (in situ) to reshape the cornea (keratomileusis). This procedure utilizes a highly specialized laser (excimer laser) designed to treat refractive errors, improve vision, and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. This laser procedure alters the shape of the cornea, which is the transparent front covering of the eye. Though the excimer laser had been used for many years before, the development of LASIK is generally credited to Ioannis Pallikaris from Greece around 1991.
How does LASIK work?During the LASIK procedure, a specially trained eye surgeon first creates a precise, thin hinged corneal flap using a microkeratome. The surgeon then pulls back the flap to expose the underlying corneal tissue, and then the excimer laser ablates (reshapes) the cornea in a unique pre-specified p... Other Related Astigmatism ArticlesEmergency Contact for Bellingham
Nearby Bellingham Hospitals *St Joseph Hospital Island Hospital United General Hospital Skagit Valley Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Astigmatism by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
8 articles-
Headache
- Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
-
Fatigue
- Fatigue can be described in various ways. Sometimes fatigue is described as feeling a lack of energy and motivation (both mental and physical). The causes of fatigue are generally related to a variety of conditions or diseases for example, anemia, mono, medications, sleep problems, cancer, anxiety, heart disease, drug abuse, and more. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease that is causing the fatigue.
-
Eye Strain
- Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be treated by closing the eyes and taking a break from the visual task.
-
Eye Care
- Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an eye-care OTC product.
-
Myopia
- Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on objects that are far away. The condition runs in families and occurs because light focuses in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are symptoms of myopia. The condition is diagnosed by having an eye exam and can be treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
-
Contact Lenses: Colored, Soft, Hard, Toric and Bifocal
- Contact lenses fit over the cornea and correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Contact lenses may be hard or soft. Bifocal contact lenses may be worn by those who have presbyopia. Toric contact lenses are for people who have astigmatism.
-
Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses
- Nonprescription eyeglasses are available over the counter (OTC) and are typically used by people who can no longer read fine print. OTC trifocals are helpful for those who require multiple distances or focal lengths for near and intermediate tasks. OTC sunglasses should offer 100% protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. OTC magnifying glasses are useful for viewing tiny objects or fine print.
-
Farsightedness
- Farsightedness makes it difficult to focus on objects that are close up. The condition runs in families and occurs because light focuses behind the retina, instead of directly on it. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are symptoms of farsightedness. The condition is diagnosed by having an eye exam and can be treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
-
Headache
-
Medications
0 articles -
Procedures & Tests
4 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
2 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
2 articles -
Health News
2 articles -
Health Features
1 articles
