Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing blurred or distorted vision. While it may sound intimidating, astigmatism is a manageable condition with various treatment options available. Let’s take a look at astigmatism, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be corrected to restore clear vision and improve quality of life.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, causing light to focus unevenly onto the retina. Instead of a single, clear image, astigmatism causes symptoms such as:
- Blurred vision
- Distorted or “ghosted” images
- Eyestrain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Difficulty driving at night
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be present from birth (known as congenital astigmatism) or develop later in life. Common causes and risk factors for astigmatism include:
- Corneal Irregularities: Irregularities in the curvature of the cornea can cause astigmatism. This may be due to genetics, eye injuries, or corneal diseases such as keratoconus—a cone-shaped cornea.
- Lens Irregularities: Changes in the shape or curvature of the eye’s lens can also contribute to astigmatism. Age-related changes, such as presbyopia, can exacerbate astigmatism in some individuals.
- Eye Surgery or Trauma: Previous eye surgeries or injuries can alter the shape of the cornea or lens, leading to astigmatism.
Symptoms
The symptoms of astigmatism can vary in severity and may worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision, both near and far
- Difficulty reading or performing close-up tasks
- Eyestrain or discomfort, especially after prolonged visual tasks
- Headaches, particularly after focusing on objects for an extended period
- Squinting to see clearly
Diagnosis
Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The diagnostic process may include:
- Visual Acuity Test: A visual acuity test measures how well you can see at various distances using a standardized eye chart.
- Refraction Test: A refraction test determines your eyeglass prescription by measuring how light bends as it passes through your cornea and lens.
- Keratometry: Keratometry measures the curvature of the cornea using a specialized instrument called a keratometer.
- Corneal Topography: Corneal topography creates a detailed map of the cornea’s curvature, helping to identify irregularities associated with astigmatism.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available for astigmatism, including:
- Eyeglasses: Prescription eyeglasses with cylindrical lenses can compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, providing clear vision at all distances.
- Contact Lenses: Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism by aligning with the irregular shape of the eye. They are available in both soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) materials.
- Refractive Surgery: LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) are surgical procedures that reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors, including astigmatism.
- Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves wearing rigid contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This can provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.
Don’t Wait—Better Vision is in Sight
Astigmatism is a common eye condition, but it has highly effective treatment options that are readily available. If you’re experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, such as blurred vision or eyestrain, schedule an appointment with your optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. By identifying and correcting astigmatism early, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision and improve your overall quality of life.