- What is Astigmatism?
- What are the Types of Astigmatism?
- What are Astigmatism Symptoms?
- How is Astigmatism Treated?
- How Can Astigmatism Be Prevented?
Are you experiencing blurry vision or discomfort in your eyes? It is estimated that around 60-70% of people who need vision correction also have some degree of astigmatism, whether nearsighted or farsighted. While astigmatism can occur at any age, it typically develops during childhood or adolescence. But what exactly is astigmatism, and how does it impact your vision?
At Bayhead Eye Centre, we see the challenges of vision change daily and acknowledge the value of clear, comfortable vision. If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing astigmatism, continue reading to learn about its symptoms, if it can be prevented, and what it is.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a medical condition that causes blurred vision due to the irregular curvature of the eye. Normally, eyes are spherical like a baseball, but in astigmatism, the eye becomes oblong, resembling a football or the back of a spoon. This irregular shape causes light to refract unevenly, reducing vision clarity at varying distances.
Research and findings from the World Health Organization indicate that refractive errors like astigmatism are the leading cause of poor vision and the second leading cause of visual impairment across the globe. Refractive errors account for 43% of all visual impairments worldwide.
If you experience any changes in your vision or notice a decrease in clarity, you must consult an eye care specialist promptly.
What Does Astigmatism Do to Your Vision?
The eyes work together to allow us to see by transmitting light from the environment to the brain. This process starts when light enters the eye through the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye. The cornea then directs the light through the lens and eventually to the retina at the back of the eye. The retina changes the light into electrical signals, which travel through the optic nerve to the brain and are interpreted into visual images.
However, in cases of astigmatism, the incoming light is refracted excessively within the eye. This causes the light to fail to converge sharply on the retina, resulting in only partial focus on objects. This inconsistency leads to blurred or distorted vision, affecting clarity up close and at a distance. People with astigmatism may also experience eye strain as their eyes work harder to compensate for the refractive error.
Astigmatism is not considered an eye disease. Although it may lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, eye strain, and headaches, especially after extended reading periods, it does not result in blindness.
What are the Types of Astigmatism?
Astigmatism typically arises from irregularities in the shape of the cornea or the lens within the eye. Eye care professionals refer to this as corneal astigmatism. Another form, lenticular astigmatism, results from irregularities in the shape of the eye’s lens, often associated with cataracts.
The two main types of astigmatism are:
- Corneal Astigmatism: Caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea.
- Lenticular Astigmatism: Arising from irregularities in the shape of the lens, often due to cataracts.
In some cases, individuals may experience both corneal and lenticular astigmatism concurrently.
Who is Affected by Astigmatism?
Astigmatism can affect individuals of any age, and its onset may occur at any stage of life. While some individuals are born with astigmatism, others may develop it later in adulthood. Moreover, the condition can fluctuate over time, improving or worsening.
Astigmatism is highly prevalent, with approximately 1 in 3 individuals affected by this common visual impairment.
What are Astigmatism Symptoms?
Blurred vision is the predominant symptom of astigmatism, affecting clarity when viewing objects up close or at a distance. Additionally, individuals with astigmatism may encounter challenges in discerning details, such as reading small print on a menu or identifying letters on distant road signs.
Other symptoms associated with astigmatism include:
- Perceiving glare or halos around light sources.
- Frequently squinting to enhance clarity.
- Experiencing headaches.
- Feeling tiredness in the eyes.
- Struggling with eye strain.
It’s important to note that young children may not always recognize visual abnormalities. Hence, if you observe your child frequently squinting, rubbing their eyes, or complaining of headaches, you should seek evaluation by an eye care specialist.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism typically has a hereditary component, meaning it tends to be passed down from biological parents to their children. Additionally, excessive pressure from the eyelids on the cornea can contribute to its development.
While astigmatism is commonly not associated with underlying health conditions, certain factors or circumstances can lead to its occurrence, including:
- Eye injuries.
- Keratoconus.
- Complications following eye surgery.
How Is Astigmatism Treated?
Mild cases of astigmatism may not necessitate immediate treatment. However, if astigmatism is causing vision problems, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatment options:
Corrective Lenses
Corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses prescribed by a doctor are the most common and least invasive treatments for astigmatism.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves using rigid contact lenses to correct the irregular curvature of the cornea temporarily. These lenses are typically worn during sleep and removed during the day. While some individuals may experience clear vision during the day without corrective lenses while undergoing Ortho-K, the benefits are only present while using this treatment. Vision typically returns to its previous state after discontinuing Ortho-K.
Refractive Surgery
For severe cases of astigmatism, refractive surgery may be recommended. This type of surgery involves using lasers or small knives to reshape the cornea, permanently correcting astigmatism. Common surgical procedures for astigmatism include the following:
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): A thin flap is cut in the cornea, and a laser is used to reshape it before closing the flap.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): A laser is used to alter the shape of the cornea, improving how light rays focus on the retina.
- Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK): The protective cover over the cornea is loosened, and a laser is used to correct the curvature.
- Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE): A laser creates a disc-shaped piece of tissue below the corneal surface and alters its shape.
- Epi-LASIK: The cornea’s outer layer is removed, and a laser is used to reshape it.
It’s important to note that all surgical procedures carry some level of risk. Therefore, discussing the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before undergoing surgery for astigmatism is important.
How Can Astigmatism Be Prevented?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that cannot be prevented. It can be present from birth or develop as the eyes change. In some cases, children can inherit it from their parents.
Regular eye exams, especially for children, should be conducted to detect astigmatism early and take timely corrective measures. Maintaining overall eye health through a balanced lifestyle and protecting the eyes from injury can help reduce the likelihood of developing astigmatism.
If you suspect you or your child may have astigmatism or are experiencing symptoms of blurry vision, eyestrain, or headaches, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Bayhead Eye Centre. Our team of experienced professionals is here to address your concerns and provide personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.
