Astigmatism is a commonly occurring eye condition which would be ably rectified by the use of eye glasses, contact lens or surgical intervention.
Astigmatism is typified by an uneven corneal curvature – one form of refractive error occurring in just about everyone to a certain extent. Treatment is requisite in case there is major curvature.
An individual’s eye is innately sphere-shaped. In normally occurring scenarios, the light on gaining entry inside the eye, creates an even refraction producing a lucid view of the item. But in case of an individual having astigmatism, the eye has an oval-like shape or resembling the backside of a spoon. In such cases, the light on gaining entry undergoes greater refraction in one direction as compared to the other, which allows solely sections of the item being able to be focused at during any one instant. Faraway or remotely placed objects seem blurred and undulating.
Astigmatism Causes
Astigmatism could be heritable and is mostly present innately. It could additionally be a consequence of eyelids exerting pressure on the cornea, erroneous bearing, or a greater strain on the eye due to close work.
Astigmatism Signs & Symptoms
Individuals having unidentified astigmatism mostly complain of headaches, weariness, ocular strain and blurry eyesight irrespective of any distance. Though such signs might not be essentially the outcome of astigmatism, but scheduling an eye examination is imperative in case one or more signs are being sensed.
Astigmatism Diagnosis
The ophthalmologist would thoroughly do an eye examination. Astigmatism could develop with other kinds of refractive errors like being myopic (nearsighted) and hyperopia or farsighted. Regrettably, astigmatism mostly goes unidentified in school goers.
As astigmatism is a gradually progressing condition hence visiting the ophthalmologist is important every time one notices considerable variations in eyesight. An optometrist is trained for exclusively examining overall eye health and prescribing eye glasses and contact lens. An ophthalmologist provides complete ocular care inclusive of examination, diagnosis & tests and treating conditions via medicines and surgery.
Astigmatism Treatment
Nearly all levels of astigmatism could be rectified through proper prescription eye glasses or contact lens. In case an individual has only a minor extent of astigmatism then rectifying lenses would not be necessary, till the time other eye conditions like myopia or hyperopia are not been found. In case of moderate to highly ranging astigmatism, rectifying lenses would be possibly required.
- Special corrective lenses
To correct astigmatism, exclusive corrective lens known as toric lens are recommended. Toric lens has more light curving power in single direction as compared to the other. On conducting varied testing, the eye doctor would ascertain the appropriate toric lens that would be prescribed as per the individual’s astigmatism. - Refractive or laser eye surgery
This astigmatism rectifying surgery is another means of varying the corneal shape. Though with varied types of refractive surgery available, particular treatments are suggested taking into consideration the individual’s eye condition. Requisite for refractive surgery is that the person must not be having any issues related to the retina, scar formations in the retina and any type of eye condition.
