Astigmatism and Why You Should Be Aware of It?
Like any other organ in the body, the eyes also help us view the world. So, it should not be a surprise when the eyes develop some issue that can cause problems in vision. Among the several types of vision issues commonly observed, astigmatism is one of the issues that can cause slight problems in seeing. Therefore, the information provided here will be useful in understanding the condition better. Additionally, the best way to provide clear vision for people having issues due to astigmatism can see with the help of lenses from Nikon Lenswear.
But before moving to the solution, it is important to understand what is astigmatism. It will help to know how astigmatism and the resulting issues can be resolved to an extent.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a vision issue that occurs when the eye’s cornea is not shaped properly. Due to the irregularly shaped cornea, the light that passes through the eye can cause blurry, fuzzy, or distorted vision. The condition can be detected through a simple eye exam by any professional eye care expert.
Through the eye exam, the eye care expert examines the different aspects of the eye and its vision. The following are the most common symptoms that can help an eye care professional determine if an individual has astigmatism. The following are the signs and symptoms:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Headaches
- Squinting to see clearly
- Eyestrain caused due to focusing for a long duration
- Issues in seeing or driving at night
Although the definition, signs, and symptoms of astigmatism have been discussed here, it is important to understand the most common causes of astigmatism. Understanding the most common causes will help understand why astigmatism can occur.
Common Causes of Astigmatism
The definition and symptoms of astigmatism have been mentioned previously. Therefore, understanding the most common types of astigmatism seen in individuals becomes important. In addition, it is important to remember that some of the reasons why astigmatism occurs can be attributed to artificial causes. With that being said, here are the most common causes of astigmatism that have been mentioned and explained as follows:
- Corneal astigmatism
It is the most common type of astigmatism diagnosed among people.
- Lenticular astigmatism
Due to this type of astigmatism, the lens of the eyes gets changed.
- Irregular astigmatism
In this type of astigmatism, the cornea’s curvature is considered uneven.
Apart from the above, different vision issues can cause astigmatism. These have also been explained as follows:
- Myopic astigmatism
The condition occurs when astigmatism combines with myopia, and the two curves in the cornea and lens are focused in front of the retina.
- Hyperopic astigmatism
This type of astigmatism occurs when hyperopia combines with astigmatism, and both curves are focused behind the retina.
- Mixed astigmatism
Such a type of astigmatism occurs when one curve displays the symptoms of hyperopia and the other displays symptoms of myopia.
Although these are considered to be the most common forms of astigmatism, there are two other types of astigmatism, which have been explained as follows:
- Regular astigmatism
In this form of astigmatism, both curves are at a 90-degree angle, and their curvature is regular.
- Irregular astigmatism
Due to the lens and cornea curves being either less or more than 90 degrees, the curvature is not regular. This type of astigmatism can occur due to trauma, keratoconus (thinning of the cornea), or surgery.
Different tests are the best way to know if an individual has vision issues caused due to astigmatism. First, the eye care expert conducts an eye examination with the tools to help determine if an individual is suffering from nearsightedness or farsightedness. It is done by pointing a light into the eye and placing lenses between the light source and the eyes. The method of determining if an individual has astigmatism is known as retinoscopy.
Apart from the above, there are some other ways through which an eye care professional can determine if an individual has astigmatism. These methods are as follows:
- Visual acuity test
Through the visual acuity test, the eye care expert can understand if a person can read letters or characters placed at a distance. It is done by reading the lines of letters printed on a chart which become progressively smaller.
- Keratometry
A keratometer is a device used to measure the amount of light reflected from the corneal surface. Through the Keratometry test, the eye care provider can gain extensive information regarding the shape and curvature of the cornea.
- Corneal topography
Among the different types of tests that can help understand the different types of astigmatism detected, corneal topography is considered to be one of the most detailed tests. Through the test, the measurement, as well as the images of the cornea, are provided to the eye care expert.
- Refraction
When determining if an individual has astigmatism, the refraction test is done to understand how the eyes focus light. The test is done by placing a series of lenses in front of the eyes. During the test, the eye care provider will enquire which lens provides them with better vision.
Other than eye examinations, it is important to remember that children and adults need regular eye exams. In addition, it becomes even more necessary to conduct regular exams to ensure minimal issues with an individual’s vision.
Signs and Symptoms of Astigmatism
An important part of providing help for proper vision caused due to astigmatism and ensuring astigmatism eyesight doesn’t get affected a lot. Therefore, it becomes important to identify the signs and symptoms that can help in the proper diagnosis of astigmatism vision. The following are some signs and symptoms that can help understand the best way to reduce the chances of astigmatism causing problems in an individual’s vision:
- Blurred or distorted eyesight
- Discomfort or eyestrain
- Headaches
- Problems with night vision
- Squinting
It becomes important to get an appointment with an eye care provider if astigmatism’s symptoms cause issues in everyday activities. The eye care provider can then diagnose you with astigmatism and the type and degree you are suffering from. Then, according to the level of astigmatism, they can provide the best options to correct your vision.
Also, children often need help to realise that their vision is blurry. Therefore, it becomes important to ensure that a professional eye care provider tests their eyes during infancy (newborn period), preschool age, and every year when they start school and have eye checkups through the school.
How does astigmatism affect eye vision?
Among the several different types of vision issues caused to individuals, astigmatism, followed by myopia and hyperopia, are some of the most common eye issues. These vision issues are grouped as refractive errors, which can occur when the shape of the cornea or the lens behind the cornea reduces the ability of the light entering your eye to focus on the retina correctly.
Therefore, it causes poor vision. It is important to note that Astigmatism or astigmatism vision occurs if the eye’s cornea is differently shaped compared to a regularly shaped cornea. It occurs when the cornea grows into an elongated shape instead of a round shape.
As a result of the irregular and unusual shape of the cornea, light focuses differently on the retina and can cause issues with everyday vision. Usually, astigmatism is present at birth and accompanied by other visual issues like near or farsightedness. However, it is only sometimes necessary to provide corrective actions for proper eyesight.
Treatment for Astigmatism
The signs and symptoms of astigmatism, along with the effects astigmatism vision can have on the eyes, make it important to ensure that there are proper treatments in place to reduce any discomfort that occurs due to the types of astigmatism diagnosed by the eye care provider. The most helpful ways to treat the symptoms of astigmatism are as follows:
- Eyeglasses
People with astigmatism eyesight can choose eyeglasses that can help improve their eyesight. These eyeglasses can help improve the vision issues caused due to astigmatism. The lenses in the eyeglasses are cylindrical lens prescription that ensures that they provide clear vision and additional power in specific areas of the lens.
- Contact lenses
Contact lenses provide a clearer and wider field of view, however, as they need regular cleaning and care to safeguard eye health. The best suitable contact lenses are special toric soft lenses which can help in the shape correction of the cornea. Also, rigid gas-permeable lenses maintain their usual shape when placed on the cornea. Therefore, these can compensate for the cornea’s abnormal shape and improve vision for individuals with astigmatism vision.
Apart from the above non-surgical methods, surgical methods like orthokeratology, laser, and other refractive surgery procedures can help ensure that the astigmatism treatment is successful in providing good vision and reducing problems in seeing.
FAQ
What does astigmatism do to your eyes?
Astigmatism in the eyes causes blurred vision irrespective of the distance of the object an individual is viewing.
Can astigmatism be corrected?
Astigmatism can be corrected with the help of surgical procedures like orthokeratology, laser, and other methods.
How do you treat astigmatism?
Astigmatism can be treated with the help of LASIK, LASEK, and Photorefractive keratectomy.
Should I always wear my glasses for astigmatism?
It is not always necessary to wear glasses for astigmatism, especially slight astigmatism. However, it is better to wear glasses and keep them within reach to reduce visual discomfort.