What is astigmatism and is it possible to get rid of it

What is astigmatism

Astigmatism What Is Astigmatism? - this is defocusing (the Greek word stigmate means “point”, the prefix a expresses negation) of vision, caused by the fact that the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye is disturbed.

Vision of a person with and without astigmatis

Normally, both the cornea and the lens have an even, uniformly curved circular sector shape. Thanks to this, the rays of light passing through them are focused at one point (called the focal point) on the retina, and we see a clear picture.

If the cornea or lens is curved unevenly, light passing through them is not refracted properly. Several focal points appear on the retina at once. Because of this, it seems as if the picture in front of the eyes doubles or triples, has indistinct outlines, its elements merge with each other.

This is what the world looks like through the eyes of a person with and without astigmatism.

Why is astigmatism dangerous?

Blurry, blurry vision is unpleasant in itself. But defocusing has other consequences of Astigmatism: Causes, Types, and Symptoms.

Rapid eye fatigue. It can be difficult for a person with astigmatism to read or work with a computer.
Early appearance of wrinkles. This is due to the need to constantly squint in order to look at something.
Headache.
Cutting, other discomfort in the eyes.
Difficulty seeing in the evening and at night.
Increased risk of developing strabismus.

In addition, astigmatism is often combined with myopia and hyperopia, visual impairments that also require correction.

Where does astigmatism come from?

The shape of the cornea and lens is an individual feature of a person. Some people have congenital astigmatism: such people may not even guess that something is wrong with their vision, because from infancy they are accustomed to seeing a "blurry" picture.

Others develop astigmatism with age. Most often this occurs after previous illnesses, eye injuries or surgery on the organs of vision.

But the version that astigmatism can appear or worsen if you read at dusk or watch TV too closely is a myth.

How to recognize astigmatism

The symptoms of blurred vision are blurred - both literally and figuratively. Therefore, the best way not to miss out on astigmatism is to visit an ophthalmologist annually for a routine check-up. And consult a doctor for advice if you have any vision problems.

To diagnose possible astigmatism, the optometrist will perform several Astigmatism tests.

Test your visual acuity. This is done using a standard diagnostic table: you will be asked to name the letters shown on the stand a few meters away from you.
Carry out keratometry. This is the name of the procedure by which the curvature of the corneal surface is measured.
Check refraction. Refraction tells how exactly the cornea and lens refract the light passing through them. They examine it with the help of devices - a phoropter and a retinoscope (with this instrument the doctor will shine in the eyes).

These studies help not only identify astigmatism, but also figure out how to correct it.

How to treat astigmatism

There are four Astigmatism ways to correct astigmatism. Which one will be effective in your case, only the doctor decides.

1. Points

The ophthalmologist will prescribe you to wear glasses with special cylindrical lenses that refract light entering your eyes in such a way as to compensate for the curvature of the cornea or lens.

2. Contact lenses

Being on the cornea, the lenses, as it were, even out its surface, making it evenly curved. In some cases, contact lenses can help compensate for astigmatism better than glasses.

3. Orthokeratology

This is the name given to the use of special rigid temporary contact lenses. They are worn at night. During sleep, ortholens correct the shape of the cornea. They are removed in the morning.

The effect of the correction is temporary, lasting several hours, for example, until the evening. At night, you will have to put on ortholes again.

4. Laser vision correction

This is a procedure in which the surgeon uses a laser to correct the shape of the cornea. Thus, you can get rid of astigmatism forever.

The most popular are two types of laser correction:

Laser keratomileusis. With its help, irregularities are removed only from the inner surface of the cornea.
Photorefractive keratectomy. This operation will correct the curvature of the cornea both externally and internally.