Astigmatism: A Comprehensive Guide

Astigmatism is a common vision problem affecting people of all ages. Although the symptoms of astigmatism can vary from person to person, it is a vision issue frequently leads to blurry and distorted vision, along with headaches and eyestrain. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about astigmatism, including its types, causes, related refractive errors, and available treatment options.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects vision clarity. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, causing light to be improperly focused on the retina. This can lead to blurry or distorted vision at various distances.

Types of Astigmatism

Astigmatism, a prevalent vision problem, can be categorized into several types based on the shape and location of the irregularities in the eye.

• Regular astigmatism, the most common form, is characterized by the steepest and flattest areas of the cornea (principal meridians) being positioned 90 degrees apart. This leads to an uneven but symmetrical curvature of the eye, more akin to a football shape than a perfectly round basketball, causing vision to become blurry or distorted.
• On the other hand, irregular astigmatism, though less common, is more complex as the principal meridians aren’t perpendicular. This irregularity can result from injuries, scarring, thinning of the cornea known as keratoconus, or certain forms of eye surgery. Here, the curvature isn’t uniform, causing the distortion and blurriness of vision to be more pronounced.
• In addition to these types, astigmatism can also be identified based on its location, such as corneal and lenticular astigmatism. While the former, due to irregularities in the cornea, is more prevalent, lenticular astigmatism occurs when the intraocular lens, instead of the cornea, exhibits these anomalies. Both types contribute to the complexity of this widespread refractive error.

What are the Causes of Astigmatism?

Astigmatism can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Genetics: Astigmatism often runs in families. If one or both of your parents have astigmatism, you’re more likely to have it as well.
• Developmental issues: Sometimes, astigmatism can occur as the eyes develop in childhood. This is commonly referred to as “congenital astigmatism”.
• Injury or Eye surgery: Damage to the cornea from an injury or eye surgery can result in irregular astigmatism.
• Eye Conditions: Certain eye conditions, like keratoconus which cause the cornea to thin and become more cone-shaped, can lead to irregular astigmatism.

What are the Symptoms of Astigmatism

Symptoms of astigmatism can vary based on how severe the condition is. Here are some common signs for both children and adults:

1. Blurry or distorted vision at any distance for c
2. Complaints of eye discomfort or strain, especially after reading or using digital devices
3. Frequent headaches caused by eye strain
4. Constant squinting to see things more clearly

When to See the Doctor?

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further vision problems and ensure proper visual development in children.

How is astigmatism diagnosed?

Your eye care professional can diagnose astigmatism in a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, they will measure the curvature of your cornea with a machine called an autorefractor to determine its shape and refractive error.

Astigmatism as a Refractive Error: Other Refractive Errors

Astigmatism is one of several refractive errors that can affect vision. Other common refractive errors include:

Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while nearby objects appear sharp. Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly, while distant objects appear sharp. Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty focusing on close objects, which usually begins around age 40.

Astigmatism Treatment Options

Fortunately, astigmatism can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Your doctor may also recommend using special eye exercises to reduce eyestrain and improve vision.

Glasses: Prescription eyeglasses are the most common treatment for astigmatism. The lenses are curved to correct the refractive error and help you focus more clearly on objects at all distances.

Contact lenses for astigmatism: Contact lenses can also be used to correct astigmatism. Soft contact lenses are a popular choice, as they provide better comfort than hard contacts and may reduce dry eye symptoms associated with astigmatism.

Refractive surgery: Laser eye surgery Procedures such as: LASIK, PRK, RELEX SMILE or Lens Replacment Surgery can reshape the cornea, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective eyewear.

Last Words from the More Clinics

Astigmatism is a common vision problem affecting people of all ages. Although there is no cure for astigmatism, vision can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, consult an eye care professional as soon as possible for a comprehensive eye exam and treatment plan. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can enjoy clearer vision for years to come.

At The More Clinics Turkey, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care and services to help you regain your vision. Our experienced team of doctors will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals for clearer vision. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get started on your journey toward better vision!

Medically Reviewed by Op.Dr.İbrahim Kaya who specialized on Eye Surgery, Retinal Surgery and Optalmology

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