As common as nearsightedness and farsightedness undoubtedly are, they aren’t the only form of refractive error that may be distorting your vision. A deformation of the corneal contours known as astigmatism can create zones of blurriness that interfere with reading, writing and any other activities that require optimal visual clarity. This type of vision problem can be more complicated to compensate for than other refractive errors. Fortunately, The Eye Institute is highly skilled at diagnosing and correcting cases of astigmatism in Knightdale NC residents.
A refractive error is a condition that causes the eye to refract incoming light abnormally, which makes it impossible for images to come into clear focus on the retina without some help from your optometrist in Knightdale. In a simple refractive error such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), the eyeball is too elongated or foreshortened to accommodate incoming light properly. In astigmatism, however, the abnormalities occur at the front of the eye. Instead of presenting a normally smooth corneal curvature, the cornea of the astigmatic eye has pits, bulges or other distortions that occur along imaginary lines or angles we call meridians.
Astigmatism can take a variety of forms that cause different kinds of distortion. In myopic astigmatism, for instance, the distortion causes nearsightedness; in hyperopic astigmatism, the distortion produces areas of farsightedness. You can even have mixed astigmatism in which you experience both nearsighted and farsighted zones. The meridians themselves may occur along 90-degree angles (“regular” astigmatism) or they may follow less predictable paths (“irregular” astigmatism). To complicate things even further, your astigmatism may be accompanied by classic myopia, hyperopia and/or presbyopia (an age-related problem in which the lens cannot shift focus between distances easily).
Your optometrist in Knightdale can help you overcome the visual challenges presented by astigmatism. If you’re having difficulty seeing specific lines on an eye chart, we can confirm a case of astigmatism through detailed examination of the corneas and their refractive patterns. Retinoscopy shows us exactly how light is being refracted into the eye, while a device called a keratometer reveals the curvature of the cornea. We will record your astigmatism in terms of the “sphere,” or the meridian of greater corneal distortion, and the “cylinder,” or meridian of lesser corneal distortion.
Eyeglasses do a superb job of correcting most cases of astigmatism — but so can state-of-the-art contact lenses. Your optometrist in Knightdale can provide specialized lenses such as toric contacts, which correct the individual areas of corneal distortion without shifting or rotating out of position (unlike ordinary soft contacts). Scleral contacts, which rest of the white of the eye instead of the cornea, can also provide excellent astigmatism correction.
The Eye Institute can help you see the world clearly despite your astigmatism. Call 919-266-2048 to avail yourself of our advanced eye care services!
Excellent service, doctor and front desk staff. Also an excellent and very stylish selection of eyewear for the entire family.
I highly recommend!
I left feeling as if I was valued, and that my money was being well spent on something I wanted to spend it on — not something I felt pressured into thinking I needed. The eye exam was by far one of the most involved and well explained I have ever experienced. I was pleasantly surprised the that the Dr. was present the whole time, my questions were answered with thought and not once did I get the standard, "I would not be too concerned " response. It was always a clear interest to make sure I was understanding the technical as well as the results of his answer.
After many many years here...I am still happy to have my annual exam, glasses, contact lenses, and other services for my family here. LOVE this place and the atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly staff. I highly recommend!
TEI's team has always been courteous, friendly, and calls about the exam. I've been going for years to one in Knightdale, NC and would not switch unless they close which, hopefully, they never will!
I had been coming here for years and I’m always greeted by friendly staff! They know most of my family and remember our life stories when we come. It never feels like I’m the eye doctor, it feels like family.
I loved everyone at the Eye Institute. I got in pretty quick, they were very thorough and everyone had a great attitude. Thanks, Eye Institute!!
Dr. Chad Morgan has provided me with proactive, strategic care and exceptional long-term advice about my eye care for more than 5 years. I trust him completely and know he has a full understanding of my health and the new treatment options for my care. I simply wouldn't entrust my eyes to anyone else!
Good customer service. Tiffany was very helpful in helping me pick out my new eyewear. Dr. Chad is friendly and proactive...I appreciate both!
Thank you for visiting GoodLooks. We’re now part of The Eye Institute family. You can still visit us in the same North Raleigh location or check out one of our other two offices in Raleigh or Knightdale. Learn more on the “Locations” page on our website.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!