Should You Be Concerned about Astimatism?
What is it?
Astigmatism happens when the front end part of the eye, properly termed the cornea, is not a uniform symmetric spherical shape. Rather, its form is sort of similar to that of the back of a spoon - longer in one direction than another. Because the cornea is an jagged form, the eye can’t focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is obscure at all distances.
What causes it?
During prenatal eye development, various components specify the shape of it, including transmitted genetic factors and nurture. It turns out that these factors can lead to an crooked curve of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.
Who’s affected?
Actually most of us have an astigmatism - but generally it is very mild
Astigmatism is common and is usually present from birth. Most people have a slight astigmatism - it’s unusual for the cornea to have formed in a dead symmetrical manner. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.
In many cases of astigmatism the individual also has different optical troubles such as 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 person may complain their vision is blurred at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it is 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 interrogations about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.
What’s the treatment?
Most of the time, you can adequately deal with an astigmatism by using properly prescribed spectacles or contact lenses.
Milder astigmatism may not need treatment unless the individual 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. You should discuss the benefits and risks of this treatment with your surgeon before you go decide whether to have it.
