The Info Examiner

What is it?

Astigmatism happens when the anterior portion of the eye, the cornea, is not a regular proportionate moonlike shape. Alternatively, its mold is kind of similar to that of the back of a spoon - longer in one direction than another. Due to the fact that the cornea is an wavy shape, the eye can’t focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is obscure at all distances.

What causes it?

During prenatal eye development, assorted factors specify the configuration of it, including ancestral genetic factors and surroundings. It turns out that these elements can result in an crooked curvature 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 slight astigmatism - it’s uncommon for the cornea to have developed in a dead symmetrical manner. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.

In many examples of astigmatism the person also has other optical troubles 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 hazy 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 is 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 registered optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A good optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.

Small children, who mightn’t be able to answer 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?

In most cases, astigmatism can be corrected by wearing properly fitted glasses or contact lenses.

Milder astigmatism may not need treatment unless the person is doing a job that puts intensive demands on the eyes, for example, computer work.

In some cases, astigmatism can be corrected by an operation called refractive surgery, which reshapes the cornea.

For some people another option is laser treatment. If you are considering this form of therapy, ensure that you speak to your surgeon about the good and bad points before you make your decision.