Astigmatism

eye SIMS Hospital

Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by a corneal-shaped error. With astigmatism, the eye lens or cornea, which is the front surface of the eye, has an irregular curve. This may change the way light passes, or refracts, to your retina. This causes blurred, blurred, or distorted vision. Farsightedness and short-sightedness are two common forms of problems with the way light passes through your retina. This is termed hyperopia. Near-sightedness is called myopia.

Who is at risk for astigmatism?

Astigmatism can occur in children and adults. Your risk of developing astigmatism may be higher if you have one of the following:

  • A family history of astigmatism or other eye disorders, such as keratoconus.
  • Thinning of your cornea
  • Excessive nearsightedness.
  • Excessive farsightedness.
  • A History of certain types of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery.

What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

The symptoms of astigmatism can vary from person to person. Many may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of astigmatism include the following:

  • Blurry, Distorted, or fuzzy vision at all distances.
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Eyestrain
  • Squinting
  • Eye irritation
  • Headaches

See your doctor if you have signs of astigmatism. Many signs may also be due to other issues with your health or vision.

Astigmatism Treatment

Glasses or contacts may correct almost all cases of astigmatism. But if you have a mild astigmatism and no other vision problems, you may not need them.

There are two treatments for the common levels of astigmatism:

  • Corrective lenses.That means a glass or a touch. If you have astigmatism, your doctor will probably recommend a special type of soft contact lens called toric lenses. If your case is more serious, you may have gas-permeable rigid contact lenses for a procedure called orthokeratology. You’re wearing your glasses when you sleep, and they’re reshaping your cornea.
  • Refractive surgery. Laser surgery also changes the shape of your cornea. Types of refractive surgery include LASIK and PRK.

Irregular astigmatism is far less common and is associated with problems with your cornea, the front part of the eye.