MedicineNet

Astigmatism Center - Bismarck, ND

Bismarck Eye Doctor Doctors for Astigmatism

Type 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 Bismarck *

Dakota Eye Institute
George Hilts
200 S 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 222-3937

The Eye Clinic of North Dakota
Monte Leidenix
620 N 9th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 255-4673

Dakota Eye Institute
Douglas Litchfield
200 S 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 222-3937

The Eye Clinic of North Dakota
Kevin Lorenz
620 N 9th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 255-4673

Dakota Eye Institute
Charles Volk
200 S 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 222-3937

Bismarck, North Dakota

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-08
Race to Sunset
Bismarck, North Dakota
2012-06-16
2012 Bismarck Triathlon
Bismarck, North Dakota
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - North Dakota
Throughout North Dakota, North Dakota
2012-09-15
2012-11-11
World Run Day 2012 Registration - North Dakota
Throughout North Dakota, North Dakota

Astigmatism

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 Astigmatism

LASIK Eye Surgery »

What 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...

Emergency Contact for Bismarck

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Bismarck Hospitals *

St Alexius Medical Center
900 E Broadway
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701)530-7000

Medcenter One
300 N 7th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701)323-6000

SCCI Hospital Central Dakotas
1000 18th St NW
Mandan, ND 58554
(701)667-2000

*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.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.