Have you experienced this before?
image from: https://www.infocusoptical.com.au/what-is-astigmatism/
Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape, causing light to refract unevenly. Normally, a perfectly shaped cornea or lens is spherical, like a basketball. However, in astigmatism, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a football or an egg, which results in blurred or distorted vision at any distance.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
People with astigmatism may experience:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances (near and far)
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially after reading or prolonged screen use
- Headaches, often due to squinting or focusing effort
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night, particularly while driving
- Frequent squinting in an attempt to improve focus
- Double vision in one eye (in severe cases)
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs due to irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. Several factors may contribute to its development:
- Genetics: Astigmatism often runs in families and is typically present from birth.
- Eye injuries or surgeries: Trauma or surgical procedures can alter the cornea's shape, leading to astigmatism.
- Keratoconus: This rare condition causes the cornea to thin and become cone-shaped, resulting in severe astigmatism.
- Natural aging process: Over time, the shape of the eye's cornea can change, potentially leading to astigmatism.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include tests like:
- Visual acuity test (reading an eye chart)
- Keratometry (measuring the curvature of the cornea)
- Refraction tests (to determine the eye’s ability to focus light)
Treatment options include (non-invasive methods):
- Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct the uneven curvature
- Toric lenses (specialized contact lenses designed to address astigmatism)
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and effective management of astigmatism to prevent worsening vision.