What is Astigmatism?
Eye care specialists perform a number of tests in order to accurately detect astigmatism. These tests include visual acuity test and an instrument referred to as a "keratometer".
Astigmatism is an eye condition that affects near- and distant vision, depending on your eyes’ shape and function.
Causes
Astigmatism is a result of an irregularly-shaped cornea or a lens. This condition can be referred to as corneal astigmatism (or lenticular) by eye care professionals. Its irregularity prevents the light rays in your retina from focusing accurately, causing blurry near- and farsighted vision.
Your cornea, or lens, should take the form of a ball. It allows light to enter uniformly and be sharply focused onto your retina located at the back of your eye. Astigmatism means that light cannot focus on the retina directly. It forms two focal points which overlap each other, resulting in blurry sight.
Astigmatism occurs after injury, surgery and certain eye disorders like keratoconus. The best way to determine if you have astigmatism is by having a comprehensive eye examination. During the exam, they will use a device called a topographer or photographer.
Symptoms
Eye care specialists use a variety of tests to diagnose astigmatism. They will examine both your cornea and your lens (the front clear part of your lens) to see whether either has an abnormal shape that indicates an astigmatism.
Normal corneal structure and lens should resemble a baseball, allowing light into your eye evenly and focusing it on one focal spot on your retina. When you have astigmatism your eyes may take the form of footballs or be shaped like an egg. The light does not focus on one focal spot and appears fuzzy.
Regular eye exams for children starting at 6 years old are vital to detect astigmatism. Astigmatism uncorrected can have a negative impact on near and distant sight, as well put children at a risk for amblyopia.
Diagnosis
Astigmatism might not be obvious in younger children. If your child is squinting frequently, rubbing his or her eyes or is blurry, it's best to have a comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional. They will inspect the entire eye, including the interior, perform visual acuity tests, refractions, and cross cylinders (during these they will have your child look through 360° lines and see lenses of varying strengths) to diagnose any astigmatism.
Astigmatism is often corrected using contact lenses or glasses. They bend light rays into a focal point that falls directly on the retina. This ensures accurate optics. RGP rigid lenses offer superior optics and durability compared to soft lens options. Depending on severity, surgery is also an option. Most commonly LASIK for astigmatism.
Treatment
Astigmatism treatment options can include eyeglasses, contact lenses and surgery depending on what suits your lifestyle needs. Your eye doctor will help you select the best option.
Normal eye anatomy is made up of two perfectly-curved surfaces: the cornea and your lens. These surfaces work together, focusing light rays to the retina. Astigmatism is a refractive error that causes blurry or distorted vision. It is one among three common errors, along with hyperopia and myopia.
Contact lenses and eyeglasses can help you improve your vision. They do this by compensating the irregularities of corneal and lens curvatures, which contribute to astigmatism. Refractive surgical procedures are also an option. LASIK is the most common procedure, which uses a laser to reshape a cornea. LASEK, PRK and LASEK use alcohol to shape corneas prior to laser technology.
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Eye care specialists perform a number of tests in order to accurately detect astigmatism. These tests include visual acuity test and an instrument referred to as a "keratometer". Astigmatism is an eye condition that affects near- and distant vision, depending on your eyes’ shape and function. Causes Astigmatism is a result of an irregularly-shaped cornea…