WHAT IS IT?
Astigmatism is a common vision problem that affects many people. It occurs when the cornea or the lens of the eye is shaped irregularly, causing blurred or distorted vision. In this article, we will discuss what astigmatism is and how it can be treated.
The cornea and the lens of the eye are normally round and symmetrical, like a ball. This helps to focus the light that enters the eye onto the retina, which is located at the back of the eye. When the cornea or the lens is irregularly shaped, however, the light is not focused properly, which causes blurred or distorted vision.
This irregular shape can cause light to be focused at different points in the eye, resulting in two types of astigmatism: corneal astigmatism and lenticular astigmatism. Corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped irregularly, while lenticular astigmatism occurs when the lens is shaped irregularly.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
The symptoms of astigmatism can vary from person to person, but they typically include blurred or distorted vision, headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing at night. In some cases, astigmatism can also cause double vision or ghosting.
CAUSES
Astigmatism can occur due to several reasons, including the shape of the eye, the cornea, or the lens. The eye is shaped like a sphere, and light enters through the cornea, which is a clear layer on the front of the eye. The cornea bends the light and focuses it onto the lens, which then further bends the light and focuses it onto the retina. In astigmatism, the eyeball is out of round, which causes an irregular or non-specific focus on the back of the eye.
Astigmatism can also occur due to a problem with the shape of the lens inside the eye. The lens is responsible for adjusting its shape to focus light onto the retina. If the lens is irregularly shaped, it will not be able to focus the light properly, causing astigmatism.
Astigmatism can have various causes, including genetics, environmental factors, and medical conditions. Astigmatism is often hereditary, meaning it runs in families. If one or both parents have astigmatism, their children are at higher risk of developing the condition.
The symptoms of hyperopia can vary from person to person, and some people may not even realize they have the condition until they undergo an eye exam. Common symptoms of hyperopia include difficulty seeing objects up close, eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. In some cases, people with hyperopia may also experience eye fatigue, squinting, or discomfort when reading or doing other close-up activities.
TREATMENTS
There are several different ways to treat astigmatism, including glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. The most common treatment for astigmatism is corrective lenses, which can be either glasses or contact lenses.
Glasses and contact lenses work by bending the light that enters the eye, which helps to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens. In some cases, a special type of contact lens called a toric lens may be needed to correct astigmatism. When astimatism is advanced or irregular in shape, scleral contact lenses may be prescribed.
In more severe cases of astigmatism, surgery may be required. There are several different types of surgery that can be used to treat astigmatism, including LASIK, PRK, and LASEK. These surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, which helps to improve vision.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, astigmatism is a common eye condition that makes it difficult to see nearby objects clearly at both distance and near. It is caused by a problem with the way light enters the eye, and can be treated with corrective lenses or refractive surgery. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam and personalized advice. By addressing astigmatism, people can improve their vision and quality of life.