Astigmatism, in simple words, is a common vision problem, which is related to the curvature of the eye. The eye is shaped like a perfect round-ball, but people with astigmatism have a more egg-shaped eyeball, which causes the vision to blur. Astigmatism can occur with either farsightedness or nearsightedness, or both. Here’s more on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms worth noting
Typically, people with astigmatism have blurred or distorted vision. This can further cause other problems, such as eyestrain and headaches. People with astigmatism may have difficulty with night vision and symptoms like squinting. It is possible to have this condition from birth, which is why regular eye checkups are necessary, especially for children, who are often unable to explain the problem. You can check online for eye exam near me and get vision checked for the entire family. In any case, you should see an eye doctor if you have a tough time doing routine tasks because of vision.
Diagnosis
Like most vision problems, astigmatism is only diagnosed by an eye exam.
Treatment
Using corrective lenses is the only way to treat astigmatism without surgery. This may refer to eyeglasses that have CYL power or toric contact lenses. In case of astigmatism, light doesn’t enter the eye in a certain way, so the lenses help in bending the light and that clears the vision. Soft, disposable contact lenses called toric lenses are usually recommended for such visual disorders. There is another procedure called orthokeratology, where contact lenses (rigid) must be used for many hours of the day, which help in correcting the curvature, and with time, the lenses don’t need to be used as often. The eyes will return to previous shape, if orthokeratology is not continued.
Refractive surgery
If you don’t want to settle for eyeglasses and contact lenses, refractive surgery is the next best choice, which involves reshaping the cornea, using laser. Refractive surgery options include Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK), and Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Your doctor is the best person to decide if you are an ideal candidate for refractive surgery for such procedures.
You may have astigmatism, but you don’t have to live with it. Talk to your doctor, and if you have never tried contact lenses, consider the option, especially if you don’t want to be dependent on eyeglasses all your life. For deals on contacts and glasses, check online now.
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