Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects the way light enters the eye, causing blurred or distorted vision. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, leading to the inability to focus light evenly on the retina, which is responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. This condition can occur in conjunction with other refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). With this in mind, we at Eyewear Candy Optical RX would like to take the opportunity to discuss the basics of astigmatism.
What is Astigmatism Caused By?
The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, and the lens is located just behind it. In a healthy eye, these structures have a smooth, spherical shape, allowing light to be properly focused onto the retina. However, in individuals with astigmatism, the cornea or lens is irregularly curved, resulting in different focal points for incoming light rays. As a result, the light gets scattered, leading to blurred or distorted vision at any distance. Astigmatism can manifest in different forms. Regular astigmatism occurs when the cornea has a consistent curvature in one meridian, while irregular astigmatism occurs when the curvature is uneven across different meridians. Meridians are imaginary lines that divide the cornea into two perpendicular sections.
How Do You Know if You Have Astigmatism?
The common symptoms of astigmatism include blurred vision, eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty focusing on both near and distant objects. Children with uncorrected astigmatism may experience difficulties in reading, writing, or participating in classroom activities, which can affect their academic performance. To diagnose astigmatism, an eye care professional will perform a comprehensive eye examination, which may include visual acuity tests, keratometry (measuring corneal curvature), and retinoscopy (determining the eye’s refractive error). By assessing the extent and nature of astigmatism, the eye care professional can determine the appropriate corrective measures.
Can Astigmatism Be Corrected? What is the Best Eye Treatment?
The main treatment options for astigmatism include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery. Eyeglasses with cylindrical lenses are prescribed to counteract the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, helping to focus light properly onto the retina. Similarly, contact lenses with toric designs are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. For individuals seeking a more permanent solution, refractive surgeries such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism. It is important to note that astigmatism is a common condition and can be easily corrected with the appropriate measures. Regular eye examinations are crucial to detect astigmatism early on and ensure proper vision correction. Additionally, proper eye care practices, such as wearing protective eyewear and taking regular breaks during visually intensive activities, can help maintain good eye health and potentially prevent astigmatism-related symptoms from worsening.
Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & More in Delray Beach, FL (Just Minutes Away from Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Kings Point, Golf & Boynton Beach, Florida)
In a nutshell, astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. It can be diagnosed through comprehensive eye examinations and is typically corrected using eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgeries. With appropriate vision correction measures and regular eye care, individuals with astigmatism can achieve clear and comfortable vision. For your eye health and correct lenses or glasses in the Delray Beach, FL area, call Eyewear Candy Optical RX and let us help you!