Clarifying Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common visual condition that affects people of all ages. It is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly curved. This leads to blurry or distorted vision, making it difficult to see fine details, read or even recognize faces.
In this blog post, we will explore what astigmatism is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the available options for managing this condition.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common eye condition where the eye's cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being uniformly round like a soccer ball, it is shaped more like a rugby ball or football. This irregular shape causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, which results in distorted or blurred vision.
Astigmatism can occur on its own, but it is often accompanied by nearsightedness or farsightedness. People with astigmatism may experience headaches, eye strain, and squinting as their eyes try to compensate for the visual distortions.
What Causes Astigmatism?
The exact cause of astigmatism is not well understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people are born with astigmatism, while others develop it later in life. Some possible causes of astigmatism include:
An irregularly shaped cornea or lens
Injury or trauma to the eye
Certain eye surgeries
Keratoconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea
Abnormal growths on the cornea or lens
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Astigmatism can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which includes a visual acuity test, a refraction test, and a keratometry test.
During the visual acuity test, an eye chart is used to measure how well a person can see at a distance. The refraction test measures the eye's ability to focus light, while the keratometry test measures the curvature of the cornea.
Based on the results of these tests, an eye doctor can determine the degree of astigmatism and prescribe corrective lenses or other treatments.
How is Astigmatism Treated?
The most common treatment for astigmatism is corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses. These lenses are specially designed to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens, allowing light to focus more evenly on the retina.
For people who are not able to wear glasses or contact lenses, there are other treatment options available. These include:
Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, which reshapes the cornea to improve vision
Implantable lenses, which are surgically implanted into the eye to correct vision
Orthokeratology, which uses specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea while a person sleeps
The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of astigmatism, the age and health of the patient, and other individual factors.
Managing Astigmatism
While there is no known cure for astigmatism, it can be managed with proper eye care and regular eye exams. People with astigmatism should:
Wear corrective lenses as prescribed
Protect their eyes from injury
Practice good eye hygiene, such as washing hands before touching the eyes
Get regular eye exams to monitor any changes in vision
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can cause blurry or distorted vision, it can be effectively managed with corrective lenses, refractive surgery, or other treatments. With proper eye care and regular eye exams, people with astigmatism can maintain good vision and quality of life.
