What is it?
Astigmatism takes place when the anterior part of the eye, known as cornea, isn’t a regular radial global shape. Rather, its mold is rather similar to that of the back of a spoon - longer in one fashion than another. Because the cornea is an lumpy shape, the eye can’t focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is fuzzy at all distances.
What causes it?
As the eye originates in the womb, assorted factors influence the configuration of it, including hereditary genetic factors and environment. It would seem that these factors can cause an wavy curve of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.
Who’s affected?
Actually most of us have an astigmatism - but generally it is very mild
Astigmatism is common and is normally present from birth. Most people have a unimportant astigmatism - it’s unusual for the cornea to have developed in a utterly symmetrical manner. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.
In many examples of astigmatism the person also has different visual problems such as short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Two-thirds of people with short-sightedness also have significant astigmatism.
What are the symptoms?
In severe astigmatism, vision is blurred or distorted whether the person is reading close up or looking further into the distance.
In milder cases the individual may complain their vision is blurred at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it’s a struggle to focus or read, or that they’ve headaches, especially when trying to focus.
How is it diagnosed?
Astigmatism should be diagnosed by a certified optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A thorough optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.
Small children, who may not be able to deal with the optometrist’s queries about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.
What’s the treatment?
By and large, you can adequately deal with an astigmatism by using properly prescribed specs or contact lenses.
Milder astigmatism may not need treatment unless the individual is doing a job that puts intensive demands on the eyes, for example, computer work.
There are instances when you will be able to surgically correct your astigmatism using a technique termed refractive surgery.
Some may choose laser surgery. You should discuss the benefits and risks of this treatment with your surgeon before you go decide whether to have it.