Understanding Astigmatism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many individuals are unsure about what astigmatism is, what causes it, and how it can be treated. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about astigmatism, including its causes, symptoms, and the latest treatment options available.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a football, causing light to be focused unevenly on the retina. This irregular focusing of light leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be present from birth or develop later in life due to various factors. The primary causes of astigmatism include:
– **Genetics**: Many people inherit astigmatism from their parents.
– **Eye Injury**: Trauma to the eye can alter the shape of the cornea or lens, leading to astigmatism.
– **Eye Surgery**: Certain eye surgeries, particularly those involving the cornea, can result in astigmatism.
– **Keratoconus**: This is a progressive eye disease where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, causing severe astigmatism.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
The symptoms of astigmatism can vary in severity but generally include:
– Blurred or distorted vision
– Eye strain or discomfort
– Headaches
– Difficulty seeing at night
– Squinting
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine if astigmatism or another vision condition is the cause.
Diagnosing Astigmatism
Astigmatism is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will use several tests to measure how your eyes focus light and to determine the shape of your cornea. These tests may include:
– **Visual Acuity Test**: This test measures how well you can see at various distances.
– **Keratometry**: This test measures the curvature of your cornea.
– **Refraction Test**: This test determines the lens prescription needed to correct your vision.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
There are several effective treatment options for astigmatism, ranging from corrective lenses to surgical procedures.
Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgeries like LASIK and Trans PRK can correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. These procedures are more permanent solutions and can provide excellent visual outcomes. However, not everyone is a candidate for laser eye surgery, and it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your eye surgeon.
Astigmatism is a common and treatable vision condition. If you experience symptoms of astigmatism, such as blurred vision or eye strain, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to determine the cause and explore your treatment options. Whether you choose corrective lenses or laser eye surgery, effective treatments are available to help you achieve clear vision and improve your quality of life.
Book you free consultation today with the Goldberg Centre and see if you are a candidate for Laser Eye Surgery
