Astimagtism
What is it?
Astigmatism comes about when the front section of the eye, known as cornea, isn’t a uniform harmonious apple-shaped shape. Alternatively, its configuration is quite like that of the back of a spoon – longer in one mode than another. Due to the fact that the cornea is an scraggy form, the eye cannot focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is obscured at all distances.
What causes it?
During prenatal eye development, various components specify the configuration of it, including familial genetic factors and environment. It turns out that these elements can cause an ragged curve of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.
Who’s affected?
Most people have a slight astigmatism
Astigmatism is common and is normally present from birth. Most people have a slender astigmatism – it is exceptional for the cornea to have formed in a perfectly symmetrical way. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.
In many instances of astigmatism the individual also has different optical problems like short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Two-thirds of people with short-sightedness also have significant astigmatism.
What are the symptoms?
In severe astigmatism, vision is blurred or distorted whether the person is reading close up or looking further into the distance.
In milder cases the individual may complain their vision is obscured at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it’s a struggle to focus or read, or that they’ve headaches, especially when trying to focus.
How is it diagnosed?
Astigmatism should be diagnosed by a qualified optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A complete optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.
Tiny children, who mightn’t be able to respond to the optometrist’s enquiries about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.
What’s the treatment?
By and large, Using contact lenses or glasses, which have been bespokely designed, you can sort out most cases of astigmatism.
Milder astigmatism may not need treatment unless the person is doing a job that puts intensive demands on the eyes, for example, computer work.
In some cases, astigmatism can be corrected by an operation called refractive surgery, which reshapes the cornea.
Some may choose laser surgery. Try to obtain a balanced view about how good or dangerous laser surgery may be by speaking to your surgeon first.
