Astigmatism is a common kind of refractive error that affects the eye. In this condition, the eye fails to focus light evenly onto the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, the retina.
The bending of light as it moves through one article to another is Refraction. Vision happens when light rays refract (bend) as they pass through the lens and the cornea. This light is the focuses on the retina. The retina transforms the light rays into signals that are sent to the brain by the optic nerve. The brain interprets these signals into the visuals we see.
How does it happen?
Astigmatism happens when the light is angled differently based on where it strikes the cornea and passes from the eyeball. The cornea of a healthy eye is curved like basketball, with the same measure of roundness all over. In astigmatism, the cornea of the eye is curved more like a football, with some areas that are more rounded or steeper than others. This can result in the formed images to appear stretched out and blurry.In some cases, astigmatism may develop as a post-procedure complexity of eye surgery or eye injury.
Astigmatism also happens due to a relatively rare condition called keratoconus in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone-shaped. It results in a significant amount of astigmatism, which causes poor vision that cannot be precisely corrected with eyeglasses. Patients with keratoconus usually need contact lenses for clear sight and may eventually need a corneal transplant.
Nashville Eye Doctor, Dr. Durocher says, “Astigmatism can affect both kids and adults. Patients with mild astigmatism may not notice much shift in their vision. It is vital to have eye examinations at routine intervals to detect any astigmatism in the early stage especially for children.”
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms include the following:
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Squinting
- Distorted or blurred vision at all distances
- Difficulty driving at night
If you or your child has complained of any of the above signs, visit your eye care expert. If you wear contact lenses or prescription glasses and continue to have the issues as mentioned above, a current prescription might be needed.
Diagnosis
Astigmatism is usually detected during a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Being aware of any changes in your vision is essential. It can help in identifying any common vision issues. If you notice any distortions in your sight, visit your eye specialist for a comprehensive dilated eye test.
Is it possible to have astigmatism and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have mild astigmatism and not be aware of it. Such is usually the case for children, who are unaware of their vision being other than normal. Few adults may also have mild astigmatism without any symptoms. It is important to have routine comprehensive dilated eye tests to make sure your vision is functioning at its best.
Treatment
Astigmatism can be corrected with contact lenses, eyeglasses, or refractive eye surgery. Individual lifestyles affect the way astigmatism is treated.
- Glasses are the most straightforward and safest way to correct astigmatism. Your eye care expert will prescribe suitable lenses to help you see as sharply as possible.
- Contact Lenses work by becoming the primary refractive surface for light rays penetrating the eye, causing a correct focus or refraction. In most cases, contact lenses give a wider field of vision, sharper vision, and improved comfort. They are an effective and safe option if fitted and used correctly. It is mandatory to wash your hands and clean your lenses as recommended to lessen the chances of infection. If you have particular eye conditions, you may be deemed an unsuitable candidate for contact lens wear. Only a trained eye care professional can decide if you are a suitable candidate or not.
- Refractive Surgery aims to alter the shape of the cornea permanently. This alteration in eye shape returns the focusing ability of the eye by letting the light rays to focus properly on the retina for improved vision. There are many types of refractive surgeries for vision improvement. Your ophthalmologist can help you decide if a surgical procedure is an option for you.
- Laser eye surgery LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are popular for high success rates in correcting astigmatism. PRK removes tissue from the surface level and inner layers of the cornea, whereas LASIK removes tissue from the interior layer of the cornea.
If you have astigmatism, a variety of vision correcting options is available to you. Consult your eye specialist to help you decide the best-suited treatment for your condition.
References:
- https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/astigmatism
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astigmatism#Treatment
- http://opmt.com/education/lasik/
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