What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common and treatable vision condition where the front surface of the eye (the cornea) or lens is slightly irregular in shape instead of being perfectly round. This causes blurred vision at any distance.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Most astigmatism is congenital and present from birth due to irregularities in the shape of the cornea. It can also develop later in life from:
- The natural aging process
- Injuries, surgery, or scars on the cornea
- Eyelid pressure on the cornea (from conditions like ptosis)
Types of Astigmatism
There are several classifications of astigmatism based on the orientation of the irregular curvature:
- With-the-rule astigmatism - Vertical orientation
- Against-the-rule astigmatism - Horizontal orientation
- Oblique astigmatism - Diagonal orientation
Astigmatism Symptoms
The most common symptoms of astigmatism are:
- Blurred, distorted, or fluctuating vision at all distances
- Headaches and eyestrain from eye overexertion trying to focus clearly
- Difficulty seeing details
- Squinting or sensitive to bright lights
When to See an Eye Doctor
Make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you experience multiple astigmatism symptoms that are impacting your daily life. Vision screening exams can diagnose astigmatism even if you have no noticeable vision problems.
Prompt evaluation is especially vital for children, who need clear sight for healthy development and to succeed academically.
Astigmatism Diagnosis and Testing
Diagnosing astigmatism involves assessing the curved front surface of your eye with instruments like:
- Keratometer (ophthalmometer) - Measures the curvature of the central cornea
- Corneal topography - Maps surface irregularities using a light reflection technique
- Slit lamp exam - Magnifies and illuminates the structures of the eye with a high-intensity light
- Retinoscopy - Evaluates focusing ability by analyzing reflections from the retina
These tests allow eye doctors to pinpoint irregularities indicating astigmatism and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Assessing Severity of Astigmatism
The amount of visual error caused by your astigmatism will guide your treatment approach. Mild cases can use eyeglasses or contacts. Severe astigmatism may require specialized contact lenses or refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK.
How is Astigmatism Corrected?
1. Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
Wearing specially designed corrective lenses is the most common and accessible treatment for managing astigmatism. Options include:
- Toric lenses - Eyeglasses or contacts with a cylindrical curve orientation that matches your specific astigmatism
- Soft toric lenses - Flexible and comfortable for new contact lens wearers
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses - Very durable; ideal for severe astigmatism
2. Refractive Surgery
For permanent vision correction without glasses or contacts, your ophthalmologist may recommend procedures like:
- LASIK - Uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea
- PRK - Removes thin layer from the cornea to correct vision
- Corneal implants - Alters the shape of the cornea with ring segments
Astigmatism Prevention
While hereditary astigmatism cant be prevented, you can lower risks of acquired astigmatism by:
- Wearing protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities with flying debris
- Treating conditions like ptosis that can cause pressure on the cornea
- Having regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor for changes or issues
Early Detection is Key
Identifying and managing astigmatism early, especially in young children during the critical development of vision skills, can prevent lasting deficits and lead to better long-term outcomes.
Following astigmatism treatment plans from your eye care provider will also minimize distortion and help you see your clearest at any age.
FAQs
Can astigmatism come and go?
It's uncommon for the degree of astigmatism to fluctuate. Vision changes should be promptly evaluated by your eye doctor to rule out other possible conditions like keratoconus.
Does astigmatism always require treatment?
Mild cases may not need correction if symptoms are tolerable. More significant astigmatism usually requires management for best vision and eye health.
Can astigmatism be cured permanently?
Refractive surgery like LASIK can effectively eliminate the need for glasses or contacts by permanently altering the cornea's curvature. However, astigmatism may gradually return with aging.
Is astigmatism hereditary?
Yes, congenital astigmatism present from birth often runs in families. Environmental factors also play a role in developing irregular cornea curvature.
How is astigmatism different from nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness causes blurry distance vision, while astigmatism leads to blurred vision at all distances. But having both conditions is also common.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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