What Is Astigmatism?
Have you been noticing something wrong with your vision? Do you usually have to force your eyes to focus on objects nearby at a far distance? You might be experiencing some degree of Astigmatism. In this post, some information will be available for you to know the symptoms and characteristics of this condition. However, you must visit a specialist to have your eye checked. We at Austin Eye Care are ready to help you and provide you with the foremost advanced technologies and methods to recover perfect eyesight.
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the cornea’s curvature, which prevents a clear focus from near and far objects. This impediment to focus originates because the cornea has been flattened at the poles. Therefore, different radii of curvature appear in each of the principal axes. For this reason, when light falls through the cornea, distorted images have obtained that affect near and far vision.
Although there is no conclusive evidence around all the possible sources of astigmatism, the evidence suggests that the fundamental cause of this abnormality is in the genes. Medical data also indicate that this malformation could originate after a corneal transplant or cataract surgery. In some cases, a simple eye injury can lead to the development of this condition in some patients.
The most regular symptomatology is the view of misshaped pictures. In any case, it can regularly cause migraines or eye distress. Furthermore, depending on age, amount, and type of astigmatism, the symptoms may be different, and may not affect vision.
Types of astigmatism:
- Simple astigmatism: Appears on a single axis.
- Composite astigmatism: In addition to affecting an axis, it is associated with myopia or hyperopia.
- Mixed astigmatism: When one axis is focused in front of the retina (myopic) and another behind the retina
Diagnosis
In Austin eye care is usually taken seriously. Therefore, we can recommend having and Astigmatism from an ophthalmological examination that includes a refraction test. If the patient, either child or adult, cannot undergo the standard refraction test, the specialist may request ophthalmoscopy. This test measures refraction through reflected light.
The treatment of astigmatism supports multiple approaches:
It can be corrected using glasses, even if it is an aesthetically unacceptable solution for some people. The second alternative is the use of contact lenses. However, these cause dependence, and also require hygiene and maintenance that some patients find impractical.
The most permanent option is laser surgery that corrects the defect and allows the patient not to depend on glasses or contact lenses. Just remember that, not only is the economic cost higher and, but also like all surgical operations, it carries risks.
As with other eye conditions, if the patient begins to detect that they have difficulties seeing or visualizing the details of their environment, they should go to the specialist. Besides, if the problems continue or worsen after wearing glasses or contact lenses, it is advisable to revisit the doctor to check if the diagnosis or the lenses graduation.
Forecast
Depending on each person, astigmatism can increase over time, causing the patient to have to renew the glasses and contact lenses to adapt to the new prescription. The alternative of the laser usually ends this condition or reduces it to a great extent. Nonetheless, if astigmatism is only corrected in one eye in children, it can lead to the development of amblyopia.
If you are noticing the symptoms, we recommend you approach your trusted eye doctor to take care of your eye. In Austin, there are many well-trained professional doctors ready to assist you with your eyes.
