What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error of the eye that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea or the lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, leading to light not focusing properly on the retina.
This irregularity can result in difficulties seeing fine details and can affect both near and distant vision.
Side Effects of Astigmatism
The primary symptom of astigmatism is blurred or distorted vision. Patients often experience:
- Difficulty seeing clearly at various distances (both near and far).
- Squinting to try and improve vision.
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially after prolonged visual tasks.
- Headaches that can result from straining to see clearly.
If left untreated, astigmatism can impact daily activities such as reading, driving, or using digital screens comfortably.
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Diagnosing astigmatism involves a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. The diagnostic process typically includes:
- Visual Acuity Test: This assesses how well you can see at various distances.
- Refraction Test: Determines the precise prescription needed to correct your vision.
- Keratometry: Measures the curvature of the cornea to detect irregularities.
- Corneal Topography: Provides a detailed map of the cornea's surface, helpful in diagnosing the type and severity of astigmatism.
These tests help in accurately diagnosing astigmatism and determining the appropriate treatment.
Potential Treatment of Astigmatism
Treatment options for astigmatism depend on the severity and the patient's preferences. Common approaches include:
- Prescription Eyeglasses: Corrective lenses, such as glasses with cylindrical lenses, are often prescribed to compensate for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
- Contact Lenses: Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism by aligning with the eye's irregular shape. These can be soft or rigid gas-permeable lenses depending on the patient's needs and preferences.
- Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism permanently. These surgeries are safe and effective, offering long-term vision improvement.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This non-surgical option involves using specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day.
- Astigmatism-Correcting Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): For patients undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, astigmatism-correcting IOLs can be implanted to correct both cataracts and astigmatism simultaneously.
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