Astigmatism is a common refractive condition that impacts the eye and often results in blurred vision. This article will offer a detailed summary of what Astigmatism is, what causes it and how it can be treated.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common condition that is often present at birth and may not be pronounced enough to be diagnosed by a medical professional until later in life. This condition often impacts people who suffer from short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
In a study of 11,000 people who wear spectacles in the UK, over 47% showed signs of Astigmatism, with 24.1% showing signs of Astigmatism in both eyes.
Astigmatism occurs when the shape of the eye is less round and protrudes in an unusual way, more like a rugby ball than the shape of a football, for example.
When this happens, the mismatched curves within the eye cause the cornea to produce two different points of focus when they interact with light, and this makes it difficult to form a sharp, clear image on the retina. Instead, two different images overlap which results in blurred vision in one or more directions and an inability to focus clearly.
Although commonly present at birth, Astigmatism can occur if someone suffers from an injury, or as a result of an infection, disease or surgery.
What are the common symptoms of Astigmatism?
The most prevalent symptom associated with Astigmatism is blurred vision. The severity of the visual impairments can vary from person to person, but it most commonly impacts the person’s ability to focus on one clear image at a time.
As a result, other symptoms may arise. These can include:
- Headaches or pain above the eyes and in the temples
- Squinting
- Eyestrains and discomfort
- Difficulty being able to see at night
Although none of the above symptoms are particularly dangerous, they can impact your quality of life, and if left untreated, they could continue to worsen. That’s why it’s vital that you seek out the opinion of a medical professional if you think you may be suffering from Astigmatism.
Diagnosis
If you are concerned about Astigmatism, a specialist eye doctor will be able to conduct a series of tests to diagnose the condition and as a result, offer you the most appropriate treatment. A simple eye examination will help your doctor determine if you are showing symptoms of Astigmatism, where they will check the health of your eye and also determine how light bends when it interacts with your eye or eyes.
Treatment
There are several forms of treatment your doctor may advise to help treat your condition. These can include:
- Wearing glasses: This is a simple and cost-effective option that will help to improve your eyesight and minimise your experience of blurred vision.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses such as Toric contact lenses can help to correct the symptoms of Astigmatism. These lenses can come in a variety of materials and are designed to be suitable for all eye shapes.
- Refractive surgery: This alternative solution may be advised by your medical professional if your Astigmatism may not be responding well to wearing glasses or contact lenses and can in some cases offer a permanent solution to the symptoms of the condition. This procedure requires the use of lasers to correct eyesight problems and help to improve vision. However, this procedure does come with potential risks and is also a lot more expensive than the other treatment options.