Eye Astigmatism

How can you only have astigmatism in one eye?

Question:

I just had an eye exam and the doc told me I have a slightly lazy right eye and astigmatism in it as well. How can you have it in only one eye? Is that possible? I never noticed my lazy eye at all. My parents think it might've developed because I've been messing with it and tugging it because an eyelash was in there for three weeks.

Answer:

Well, you're asking two things here. Lazy eye is NOT caused by pulling at your lashes. It is usually that way since birth. There are now programs like "InfantSee" that allow the Optometrist to check a baby's eyes at no charge. Usually done starting at 3 months. If something is "caught" at that point, it is much easier to correct. Now, for "Astigmatism". All astigmatism means is that your eye is not shaped perfectly round. When this happens, light through your pupil is converged before the main focal point on your retina or behind the main focal point. Corrective lenses (glasses) or what is called "toric" contact lenses can correct that situation IF your doctor deems that corrective lenses are necessary. It is very common for people to have astigmatism in one eye and not the other and it's still possible to see 20/20 even with a certain amount of astigmatism.

How to find dominant eye with astigmatism?

Question:

My left eye has astigmatism and when I try to point at an object with my finger to establish my dominant eye, I see two fingers... even though there is only one. How do you find your dominant eye if you have astigmatism in one eye? Thanks so much in advance, I appreciate it!

Answer:

Astigmatism should not cause you to see double. Try again, wearing your glasses. Are you trying to point at a very distant object? If you are looking at something far away, it is normal to see two fingers. Try pointing at something closer, like a point on your computer screen.

Eye astigmatism prescription, how severe do these numbers look?

Question:

Right eye SPH = PL, CYL = 0.5, Axis = 5. Left eye SPH = PL, CYL = 0.5, Axis = 160. Is my astigmatism slight? I do find that wearing these glasses significantly reduces the eye strain and fatigue I get after using the computer for many hours.

Answer:

Yes. This would be classified as slight. The smallest amount that can even be measured in a standard eye exam is .25 and you only have .25 more than that.

Would I be able to see fine if one eye had astigmatism and the other didn't?

Question:

Just wondering. It would be very convenient for me if one eye had astigmatism and the other didn't for surgical reasons. Would I still be able to see pretty good with one perfectly corrected eye and one with astigmatism?

Answer:

You need a complete eye exam. The optometrist or ophthalmologist will be able to tell you how your vision is with or without glasses. Astigmatism basically means that the shape of your eye changed. Astigmatism affects the distance and the close up.