Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common refractive error of the eye that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being evenly curved in all directions like a round ball, the cornea or lens in astigmatism is shaped more like a football, with one meridian being steeper or more curved than the perpendicular meridian. This irregular shape causes light rays to focus on multiple points rather than a single point on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision at various distances.

Causes: Astigmatism can be present at birth and often occurs alongside other refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). It can also develop due to factors such as eye injury, surgery, or changes in the shape of the cornea over time.

Symptoms: Common signs and symptoms of astigmatism include blurry or distorted vision, eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and difficulty seeing clearly at both near and far distances.

Diagnosis: Astigmatism is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Specialized instruments like a keratometer or corneal topographer may be used to measure the curvature of the cornea and assess the degree and axis of astigmatism.

Treatment Options:

• Eyeglasses: Prescription glasses with cylindrical lenses that compensate for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, correcting the refractive error.
• Contact Lenses: Specifically designed toric contact lenses that match the shape of the eye to provide clear and comfortable vision.
• Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses.