Facts About Astigmatism
Having a sense of sight is something we all take advantage of. However, not all of us enjoy 20/20 vision. In fact, many of us suffer from some kind of visual problem. Seeing the world as a blurry view is not pleasant at all, and can also be a hindrance especially when we need to read road signs. The blurriness you experience is what you call astigmatism. This article will tell you what astigmatism is, how it is diagnosed, and what treatments are available.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a visual impairment that causes you to see fine details with difficulty. For example, lines and other shapes may look to you as slanted, bent, or slightly distorted. Patients oftentimes complain about astigmatism as seeing things accompanied by blurriness.
When you have astigmatism, the cornea in your eye is shaped more like a football than a round sphere. Most corneas that are astigmatic consist of one steeper curve and a flatter one. In this case, the light tends to focus more on one point in the eye, which in turn causes you to see with a blurred vision.
It is indicated in research studies that one in three people experience astigmatism. Furthermore, it has been found that astigmatism gets worse as we get older. Some individuals have mild astigmatism, which is often unnoticed. On the other hand, higher levels of astigmatism causes blurred vision that is obvious. Astigmatism often causes one to feel tired, experience headaches, or squint a lot. Whether you are nearsighted or farsighted, chances are you also have astigmatism.
How is astigmatism diagnosed?
There are many tests available today that can be used to diagnose astigmatism. Ophthalmologists and optometrists usually conduct eye examinations. A common eye examination used to determine astigmatism is the visual acuity test. This test analyses the focusing power of the eye at various distances. This means that the refractive error of the eye is being measured. A keratometer, corneal topographer, phoropter or autrefractor may be used during an eye examination.
How is astigmatism treated?
Oftentimes wearing contact lenses or spectacles can treat astigmatism. Toric lenses are especially made for those with astigmatism and has a cylinder that focuses light with increased clarity. Spectacles that are used to treat astigmatism have lenses that have different radii of curvature in different planes, as in cylindrical lenses.
Surgical correction is a more radical option. Individuals diagnosed with astigmatism can undergo corneal modification. They can also undergo a procedure called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK surgery. In this procedure, a flap is cut through the top part of the cornea, where a laser eliminates corneal tissue before the flap is placed back to its original position. Another procedure is the astigmatic keratotomy, where incisions are made on the steepest curves of the cornea.
The information in this article should not be taken as medical advice. If you think you have astigmatism and need visual correction with any of the treatments mentioned, visit your healthcare provider.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astigmatism
http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/astigmatism_diagnosis.htm
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/a/astigmatism/prevalence.htm
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