Astigmatism
Symptoms & Treatments for Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is quite a common eye problem in cases which
a person's cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Usually,
these problems are known as Corneal astigmatism and Lenticular
astigmatism respectively.
The cornea is a clear layer which completely covers the part
of the eye which has color. Ideally, the shape of the cornea
is round, like a tennis ball. The cornea's main function is
to bend rays of light that enter the eye so that these light
rays can be better focused on the lens enabling the retina
to produce a clear image.
When the cornea has a more oval shape, which resembles a
football, light will not be able to focus properly. Instead
of one focus point, as is what happens when the cornea is
properly shaped, the misshapen cornea focuses light onto two
areas of the retina. That is what happens in blurred vision
and/or the appearance of doubled vision.
Signs of Astigmatism
Blurred vision, 'ghosting' or images which are doubled are
usually the most common signs of astigmatism. These types
of vision problems happen at all distances. Fatigue, eye strain
and frequent headaches are some other symptoms which may indicate
astigmatism.
The Potential Risks
The shape of the cornea can be affected by anything which
causes the eyelids to exert excessive pressure on the cornea.
The other risk factors for astigmatism include hereditary,
poor posture and performing redundant and excessive amounts
of up-close work. As for those who are nearsighted or farsighted,
they are also at higher risk of developing astigmatism. Other
factors that which increase the appearance of astigmatism
include head trauma or a cut, tear or scar on the cornea.
Keratoconus, which is a condition over time causes the cornea
to thin and take on a more cone shape can also cause astigmatism.
This condition usually develops around puberty and tends to
affect more women than men. It's also caused by excessive
rubbing of the eyes.
Last but not least, diabetics are at increased risk of developing
astigmatism as elevated blood-sugar levels can cause the shape
of the lens to change.
Treatment
A routine eye exam is one of the easiest ways to detect astigmatism.
The eye doctor will perform several tests to find out vision
clarity. To determine how light rays focus on the retina the
eye doctor can perform a refractive evaluation. Reading the
eye chart is one of the best ways to determine visual acuity.
Since astigmatism is an eye condition and not an eye disease,
it is highly treatable. Common treatment options are such
as corrective eye glasses and (toric) contact lenses.
Surgical treatment options have proven to be highly successful
at correcting the shape of the cornea. Photorefractive Keratectomy
or PKR uses laser beams to change the cornea's shape. LASIK
surgery which involves making small incisions on the sides
of cornea using laser beams. With Radical Keratectomy, laser
beam incisions are made into the cornea.
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