Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects the shape of the cornea, causing blurred or distorted vision. It is not usually considered a serious medical condition, but it can be annoying and affect daily life. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage astigmatism and improve vision.
Understanding Astigmatism
The condition is such that the cornea, being the clear outer layer of the eye, does not assume a spherical curvature but a more football-shaped one, making the bending of light through the cornea not smooth when it passes through to enter the eye. Pictures do not converge correctly onto the retina; instead, blurry vision results at all distances.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is different in different people. Some people have very mild astigmatism and may not even know they have it. However, more significant astigmatism will cause:
- Blurred Vision: This is the most common symptom and can be both near and far.
- Headaches: Sometimes, eye strain due to astigmatism leads to headaches.
- Eye Fatigue: The eyes may feel tired or strained, especially after reading or working on a computer.
- Squinting: Individuals with astigmatism may squint to try and improve their vision.
- Difficulty Seeing at Night: Astigmatism worsens in low light conditions.
- Distorted Images: Objects may appear stretched or wavy.
Causes of Astigmatism
While the actual cause of astigmatism cannot be identified most of the time, there are a number of reasons that contribute to its occurrence:
- Genetics: Astigmatism is generally an inherited condition. It often runs in families.
- Eyelid Pressure: Pressure from the eyelids on the cornea causes it to bend and lead to astigmatism.
- Eye Injuries: Injuries to the eye can create scars or damage the cornea and cause irregular astigmatism.
- Keratoconus: It is a progressive thinning and bulging outward of the cornea, causing irregular astigmatism.
Managing Astigmatism
Astigmatism cannot be treated, but the following are a few ways it can be managed:
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: The most common and most effective treatment is through the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Surgery: Surgery for astigmatism can be made an option to severe cases and to people who don’t like to use eyeglasses or contact lenses. Such surgical procedures involve reshaping the cornea by laser treatment: LASIK and PRK.
Astigmatism is one of the common conditions managed effectively with diverse treatment options. In case you feel you suffer from astigmatism, get yourself scheduled to undergo a detailed eye examination through an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Early diagnosis and treatment could avoid long term vision problems to be able to see clearly without discomfort. Recall, with good care and control, you’ll successfully cope with astigmatism and live out a full life.
References:
Astigmatism: Care instructions. MyHealth.Alberta.ca Government of Alberta Personal Health Portal. (n.d.). https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zp4247
EyeCandys. (n.d.). Understanding astigmatism: How it affects your perception of lights. https://eyecandys.com/blogs/news/how-astigmatism-affects-light
DLV, info. (2024). How to successfully live with astigmatism > DLV vision. DLV Vision. https://www.doughertylaservision.com/vision-blog/how-to-successfully-live-with-astigmatism/
Wilson, C. (2022a). A helpful guide to dealing with astigmatism. Competitive Healthcare. https://competitivehealthcare.org/dealing-with-astigmatism/
Wilson, C. (2022b). A helpful guide to dealing with astigmatism. Competitive Healthcare. https://competitivehealthcare.org/dealing-with-astigmatism/
Wilson, C. (2022c). A helpful guide to dealing with astigmatism. Competitive Healthcare. https://competitivehealthcare.org/dealing-with-astigmatism/