Understanding Astigmatism and How It Affects Your Vision
Astigmatism is a refractive error where your cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It's one of the most common vision problems we see at Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U, affecting people of all ages — from young students in Sheepshead Bay to working adults to seniors. The good news? Astigmatism is easily detected during a comprehensive eye exam and corrected with the right prescription lenses or contact lenses.
Many people don't realize they have astigmatism until they come in for an eye exam. You might notice blurred or fuzzy vision, difficulty seeing fine details, eye strain after reading or screen time, or mild headaches after work. Because astigmatism often occurs alongside myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), it's easy to overlook. That's why a professional eye exam is the only way to know for sure.
How We Diagnose Astigmatism in Brooklyn
When you come in for an eye exam at our Avenue U practice, we use several tools to measure and diagnose astigmatism. Our doctors — Dr. Julia Sheyko and Dr. Alexander Shlivko — perform a series of tests that map the curvature of your cornea and measure how light focuses through your eye.
The process begins with a visual acuity test to see how clearly you're reading letters on the chart. We then use a retinoscope or automated refractor to measure your eye's focusing power, and follow up with a phoropter (the machine with the clicking lenses) so you can tell us which lens combinations feel sharpest. For a precise corneal curvature reading, we use keratometry or corneal topography, which shows us exactly where the irregularity lies.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, astigmatism comes in three main types: with-the-rule (most common), against-the-rule, and oblique. We identify which type you have because it affects how we correct your vision. During your visit, we'll explain what we found and walk you through your correction options.
Correcting Astigmatism: Glasses and Contact Lenses
Once we've diagnosed your astigmatism, you have two main correction methods: eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most Brooklyn patients start with eyeglasses, and we have an extensive collection of frames on Avenue U to choose from — designer options like Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, and Dita alongside practical, affordable styles.
For astigmatism correction in glasses, you'll need a cylinder power in your prescription, which corrects the irregular curvature. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that toric lenses (lenses specially designed for astigmatism) are ground to have different powers in different meridians, ensuring the right correction for your specific eye shape. If you spend a lot of time on screens or reading — common for working people throughout Sheepshead Bay and Gravesend — we can add blue light blocking coating to reduce digital eye strain.
For contact lens wearers, we fit toric contact lenses, which stay in place thanks to special stabilization features. Toric contacts work well for mild to moderate astigmatism and give you the freedom of contact lens wear without frames. Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko have extensive experience with toric contact lens fittings and can guide you through the process. If you're considering contacts for the first time, our contact lens fitting service includes detailed instruction on insertion, removal, and care.
For higher amounts of astigmatism, we might recommend glasses, as they provide consistently clear vision throughout your entire field of view. We'll discuss which option makes the most sense for your lifestyle and visual needs during your exam.
Advanced Lens Options for Astigmatism Correction
If you have astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing up close), progressive lenses offer seamless vision at all distances without visible lines. We carry premium progressive lenses like Varilux and Zeiss, both available in toric designs for astigmatism. These lenses typically take 1-2 weeks to adjust to, so when you pick them up, we'll give you guidance on adaptation.
We also offer Crizal anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare and reflections — especially helpful if you work on Avenue U in bright conditions or spend time outdoors in Sheepshead Bay. High-index lenses are available if you need a stronger astigmatism correction; they're thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses, a comfort feature many Brooklyn patients appreciate.
Insurance and Your Astigmatism Exam
Most vision insurance plans cover astigmatism correction, whether in glasses or contact lenses. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, EyeMed, MetroPlus, Fidelis Care, 1199SEIU, and many other plans. Coverage varies by plan — call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
If you're on Medicaid and haven't had an eye exam in a while, now's a good time to check your coverage. We handle all the paperwork, and our doctors work with your insurance to get you the best correction at the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism happens when your cornea (the clear front of your eye) or lens is curved unevenly, like a football instead of a sphere. This irregular shape causes light rays to focus at different points on your retina, creating blur. Some people are born with astigmatism, while others develop it over time.
Can astigmatism get worse?
Astigmatism itself doesn't usually get worse, but it can change slightly as you age or if you have an eye injury or certain eye conditions. That's why we recommend a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years to track any changes and update your prescription if needed.
Is astigmatism the same as nearsightedness or farsightedness?
No, but they often occur together. You can have astigmatism alone, or combined with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). During your eye exam, we measure each component separately so your prescription corrects everything.
Can astigmatism be corrected with surgery?
Yes, LASIK and other refractive surgeries can correct astigmatism, but they're elective procedures not covered by most insurance plans. During your eye exam, we can discuss whether you're a candidate for surgery and refer you to a surgical specialist if you're interested. Most people do very well with glasses or contact lenses.
Do children need different astigmatism correction than adults?
Children can have astigmatism just like adults. We perform pediatric eye exams for kids ages 6 and up and fit blue light lenses for children who spend time on screens. Early detection and correction help protect eye health as they grow.
How often should I have my astigmatism checked?
We recommend a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. If your vision changes or you notice new symptoms, don't wait — come in sooner. Changes in your prescription are common, especially as you age.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Astigmatism Explained: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Can Astigmatism Go Away? Astigmatism Correction Options.
Ready to get your astigmatism checked? Book your eye exam at Vision Palace Optical — book through Zocdoc, get in touch, or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday. Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko will give you a clear picture of your vision and walk you through all your correction options.