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Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape. Normally, the cornea and lens in the eye have a smooth and symmetrical shape so that incoming light is refracted properly and focused on the retina. However, in the case of astigmatism, the shape of the cornea and lens becomes irregular and asymmetrical, more like a football.
This irregular cornea or lens shape causes light to focus unevenly on the retina. As a result, people with astigmatism may experience blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances.
Astigmatism is usually present from birth, but can also develop after trauma or eye surgery. Symptoms of astigmatism can include blurred vision, eye strain, headaches and difficulty focusing.
Astigmatism is usually diagnosed during an eye exam by an ophthalmologist. Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses and laser surgery. Glasses or contact lenses provide clear vision by combining with a defect that corrects the irregular refractive error. Laser surgery can permanently correct astigmatism by correcting the shape of the cornea.
Astigmatism is often seen together with other refractive errors, such as myopia (distance glasses) or hyperopia (near glasses). An ophthalmologist recommends periodic eye exams to diagnose any refractive errors and determine appropriate treatment options.
Astigmatism Treatment Methods
Treatment of astigmatism involves correcting the irregular cornea or lens shape of the eye. This allows light to focus properly on the retina, restoring clear vision.
Astigmatism Treatment with Glasses: Astigmatism is usually corrected with an appropriate eyeglass prescription. Eyeglass lenses are specially designed to compensate for the irregular cornea or lens shape. This combines with a defect that corrects the astigmatic refractive error, providing clear vision.
Astigmatism Treatment with Contact Lenses: Soft or hard contact lenses can also be used for astigmatism. Toric contact lenses are designed to correct irregular corneal or lens shape. Contact lenses, like glasses, can be an effective option to correct astigmatism.
Astigmatism Treatment with Laser Surgery: There are also laser surgery options to permanently correct astigmatism. Laser surgery procedures such as LASIK and PRK can correct irregular refractive error by changing the shape of the cornea.
Lens Replacement Surgery: Another option to treat astigmatism is lens replacement surgery, which is to place an artificial lens implant inside the eye. This procedure may be called refractive lens exchange (RLE) or phakic intraocular lens implantation (ICL).
It is important to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the best option for astigmatism treatment. Each patient’s degree of astigmatism, lifestyle and personal preferences may be different, so a personalized treatment plan should be created. It is also important to have periodic eye exams to protect your eye health and achieve the best vision.
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