Astigmatism is a common eye condition in which light rays entering the eye
Ophthalmologist
Astigmatism is a common eye condition in which light rays entering the eye cannot focus evenly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
It is equally harmful to children and adults. It is inherent or present at birth. But in most cases, it can develop after an eye operation or an injury to the eye.
Astigmatism belongs to one of a group of eye conditions called refractive errors. These conditions take place when the cornea or lens is not perfectly smooth and evenly curved. Detailed information on astigmatism is necessary to find the best treatment.
What Is Astigmatism?
In understanding astigmatism ultimately, you need to go into its details. It is essential to know how the average (non-astigmatic) eye, called the emmetropic eye, could appear. It also demands to know how it works to help you see clearly. It takes place when light enters the eye through the dark black opening of the eye. It is called the pupil. Two robust structures of the eye are responsible for bending the light rays. At the outer side, a transparent covering of the eye is presently called the Cornea. When the light rays pass further into the eye, they are bent by the intraocular lens so that all the light rays come together (converge) to form a perfect focal point on the retina.
Common Astigmatism Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of astigmatism to understand the details about astigmatism :
- Blurred vision, You can find it especially around the edges of an object. It can harm both near and distant vision.
- Double or distorted images. It takes place when astigmatism is terrible. Some people experience it as if they are viewing the image through the glass with an irregular surface.
- Headaches.
- Eye strain. Difficulty to see both near and distant objects without squinting. It may lead to pain in the head or near the eyes when you focus during reading or after reading, being on a computer.
- Blurring and pain usually become worse when reading small print and towards the end of the day. You can also experience it after trying to focus for many hours.
- Letters or shapes can appear thin or thinner than usual, compressed, stretched, or tilted. You might see better in some directions than others (vertically, horizontally or diagonally) or recognize some letters or shapes more quickly than others (O versus X).
Types of Astigmatism
Several researchers have classified astigmatism into three primary classifications. We also name them the principal meridians (the steepest and flattest meridians of the eye).
- Myopic astigmatism: In this category, the principal meridians of the eye are nearsighted (myopia + astigmatism).
- Hyperopic astigmatism: In this category, principal meridians are farsighted (hyperopia + astigmatism).
- Mixed astigmatism: In this type, principal meridians are both near and farsighted (astigmatism is the primary refractive error)
Diagnosis
Following is the list of tools that an eye specialist may use to examine the eyes:
- Visual acuity test
- Astigmatic dial
- Keratometer, or ophthalmometer
- Corneal topography
5 Proven Treatments For Astigmatism
Following are the five best treatments for astigmatism:
1 Glasses
It is the most common and safest way to correct regular astigmatism is with glasses. In this treatment, the lenses of the glasses adjust the direction of the incoming light rays, correcting the uneven curve of the cornea. You can find an enormous choice of spectacle frames available to suit all budgets. It is nearly impossible to fix irregular astigmatism using a lens. Glasses are a fashion among younger people.
2 Contact Lense
Contact lenses can correct most astigmatism. There are various contact lenses like disposable soft, extended-wear, rigid, gas permeable, and bifocal.
3 Refractive surgery
In laser surgery, the shape of your cornea also changes. Types of refractive surgery include LASIK and PRK. You’ll need to have otherwise healthy eyes with no retina problems or corneal scars.
4 Orthokeratology, or corneal refractive therapy
It is a treatment that involves wearing specially fitted, rigid contact lenses, for example, overnight, to reshape the cornea. You cannot improve vision permanently with it. But the person may find that they can see better all day after wearing these.
5 Rectus muscle relaxation
In this kind of treatment, exercise relaxes the rectus muscles. It results in minimizing the stress on the cornea and also strengthens the muscles around the eyes. It is necessary to do it 2 to 4 times a day.
Astigmatism in Children
Detailed information on astigmatism shows that astigmatism is often present at birth time. But it is good to know that it generally clears up within the first year. You can also see a few children showing signs of astigmatism by the time they’re 5 to 9 years old.
Still, some children do not outgrow their astigmatism, and uncorrected astigmatism can negatively impact learning and development.
In this connection, it becomes more important to schedule regular eye exams for children. It helps to detect astigmatism and other uncorrected refractive errors at an early stage.
Conclusion
You have a different vision than others. It means every form of astigmatism has an extraordinary impact. So you need to be more careful about the fit and function of your eyeglasses or contact lenses. And don’t dive into surgery until you’ve researched the topic thoroughly and discussed it with your eye doctor.
FAQs
1 What is Myopic astigmatism?
It is the first type of astigmatism. In this disorder, the light comes to two focal points: one before the retina and one on the retina.
2 What are the methods of Astigmatism correction?
The methods to treat astigmatism include corrective lenses or refractive surgery.
3 What are the causes of astigmatism?
Presently, the causes for astigmatism are not clear. But genetics is a significant factor for this. It’s often present at birth, but it may develop later in life. You can also experience it as a result of an injury to the eye or after eye surgery.
4 What is the Astigmatism test?
Traditionally, astigmatism is diagnosed via a comprehensive eye exam in an eye doctor’s office. Through three primary vision tests (visual acuity, keratometry, and refraction).
You can book an online appointment to consult the best ophthalmologist.
