Vision Conditions
Understanding Astigmatism: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Astigmatism is one of the most common vision conditions, yet many people don’t realize they have it. If you’ve noticed blurred vision, headaches, or difficulty driving at night, astigmatism may be the cause. The good news? It’s highly treatable with the expert care of Dr. Tracie Inouchi and Dr. Sherry Wong—your trusted Honolulu eye doctors at Simply Eyes Hawaii.
What Is Astigmatism?
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that happens when the cornea or lens is not perfectly round. Instead of being shaped like a basketball, the eye is slightly more oval—like a football. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina, which can cause blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
At Simply Eyes Hawaii, our Honolulu optometrists specialize in detecting astigmatism early so you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Patients with this condition often notice:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Squinting
- Difficulty seeing clearly while driving at night
If you live in Honolulu or the surrounding areas and experience these symptoms—even with glasses or contacts—it may be time for an updated prescription from our eye care team.
How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
This conditon is usually detected during a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Because mild cases can go unnoticed (especially in children), scheduling regular eye exams with our Honolulu eye doctors is essential for protecting long-term vision health.
Can You Have Astigmatism Without Knowing It?
Yes. Many people, especially children, may have mild astigmatism without realizing it. That’s why routine eye exams at Simply Eyes Hawaii are so important—they catch vision problems early before they begin to interfere with daily life.
Treatment Options
This condition can be corrected in several ways, depending on lifestyle and personal preference:
👓 Eyeglasses
The simplest and safest option. Our Honolulu optometrists prescribe customized lenses that adjust how light enters the eye, helping you see clearly at all distances.
👁 Contact Lenses
Contacts provide a more precise focus, wider field of vision, and greater comfort for many patients. At Simply Eyes Hawaii, we offer the latest in contact lens technology, including toric lenses designed specifically for astigmatism.
🔬 Refractive Surgery
For some patients, procedures such as LASIK can permanently reshape the cornea, improving the eye’s focusing power. Your eye doctor can help determine if surgery is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is caused by an irregular curve in the cornea or lens. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
Patients often notice blurry vision at all distances, frequent eye strain, headaches, or problems seeing clearly at night.
Yes. While mild astigmatism may remain stable, changes in the cornea or lens can cause progression. Regular eye exams help monitor changes and keep your prescription accurate.
Our Honolulu eye doctors use a comprehensive eye exam with specialized instruments to measure the curvature of your cornea and lens.
Absolutely! Toric contact lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism and are available in daily, biweekly, and monthly options.
Yes, it can. This eye focusing problem may cause glare, halos, or blurred vision when driving at night. Corrective lenses greatly reduce these symptoms.
Protecting Your Vision in Honolulu
Astigmatism is common, treatable, and nothing to fear—especially when it’s detected early. At Simply Eyes Hawaii, Dr. Sherry Wong and Dr. Tracie Inouchi provide comprehensive eye exams to diagnose and manage this condition. The best way to protect your vision is to schedule regular checkups with our trusted Honolulu optometrists.
👉 Have questions about your vision? Contact Simply Eyes Hawaii today to schedule your eye exam in Honolulu.