Let's learn about astigmatism

 

 

 

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects people of all ages. It is a refractive error that causes blurry or distorted vision. In this blog post, we will discuss what astigmatism is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a condition that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly curved, resulting in an irregularly shaped lens. This causes light to be refracted differently in different meridians of the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

Astigmatism can be classified into two types: corneal astigmatism and lenticular astigmatism. Corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, while lenticular astigmatism occurs when the lens inside the eye is misshapen.

What are the causes of astigmatism?

Astigmatism can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, eye injury, and eye surgery. It can also be associated with other eye conditions, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Symptoms of astigmatism

The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred or distorted vision, which can make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily tasks. Other symptoms of astigmatism include eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.

Diagnosing astigmatism

Astigmatism is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Your eye doctor will perform a series of tests to measure the curvature of your cornea and lens, as well as your visual acuity. These tests may include a refraction test, keratometry, or corneal topography.

 

 

 

 

 

Treating astigmatism

There are several treatment options available for astigmatism, depending on the severity of the condition. The most common treatment is the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses. These lenses are specially designed to compensate for the irregular curvature of the eye.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct astigmatism. One common procedure is LASIK, which uses a laser to reshape the cornea and improve vision. Other surgical options include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and implantable contact lenses.

Conclusion

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens and can lead to blurred or distorted vision. If you are experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, it is important to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Treatment options are available to help you see clearly and improve your quality of life.