Complete Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Treating Astigmatism

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.

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.