Astigmatism is a common eye condition causing blurred distance and near vision due to mismatched curves in the eye’s front surface or lens. It is often present at birth and can be combined with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Treatment options include corrective lenses or surgery, but it is not typically pronounced enough to require corrective action. Astigmatism is generally treatable.
Astigmatism: Overview, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment
Astigmatism is one of the visionary disorders that need to be discussed in detail to spread awareness among the common public to take necessary steps for its prevention and take up appropriate treatment promptly. This visionary disorder mainly affects the shape of the cornea apart from that the individual may also experience difficulties such as blurry vision and night vision issues.
However, these symptoms may differ from person to person and according to the severity of the condition. In this article, we will be discussing a detailed overview of astigmatism, its major symptoms, causes, preventive measures, and the treatments adopted.
Astigmatism: An Overview
Astigmatism can be diagnosed in an individual if he or she possesses an irregular curve on the cornea or the lens of the eye. When such an irregular curve is caused in the cornea, the passage of light to the eye would be affected and it would also impact the process of refraction of light to the retina.
This eventually causes the vision to be blurry and the person would find it difficult to identify things, especially during the night. Apart from that the person may also experience a couple of other difficulties about this condition.
Symptoms Of Astigmatism
As already mentioned in this article, the symptoms may vary from person to person. However, there are also some of the common symptoms that can be seen in a majority of individuals suffering from the issue of astigmatism. Such symptoms have been discussed below.
1. Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is one of the most prominent symptoms that can be noticed when someone is affected by the issue of astigmatism. However, blurry vision can be caused by a lot of other eye disorders and health issues too.
Hence having just blurry vision alone cannot make it conclusive regarding the astigmatism that has been affected to a person. Hence it is always recommended to get yourself analysed by an expert medical practitioner to know the underlying cause of your blurry vision.
2. Strain In The Eyes
Just like blurry vision, strain in the eyes can also be caused due to a range of different reasons. However, it is important to make sure that the reason behind your eye strain is astigmatism itself. For that, it is better to seek professional help and lab checkups without making a delay.
3. Headaches
In people who are suffering from astigmatism, headaches can also be seen as a common symptom. If you are experiencing frequent headaches along with blurry vision and strain in the eyes, you may likely be suffering from a visionary disorder called, astigmatism.
4. Difficulty Seeing At Night
If you are experiencing a combination of blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night, the chances for you to have astigmatism are relatively higher. In such situations, you may not conclude the issue to be night blindness and seek medical help as soon as possible.
Causes Of Astigmatism
1. Genetics
Genetics is one of the main causes of astigmatism. People with this visionary disease are born with a cornea of irregular shape. However, there is no scientific explanation for why this irregularity is caused by the shape of the cornea. Parents with the issue of astigmatism are highly likely to give birth to children with the same disorder.
2. Eye Injury
The cornea is the lens that is found on the front surface of the eyes. Hence if you have been hit with any sharp objects or undergone any similar eye injuries, you may also develop this visionary disorder in the course of life, even if you do not have a family history of astigmatism.
3. Eye Disease
Some severe eye diseases and infections caused by the eyes can also be the reason for the development of astigmatism. Hence if you are experiencing blurry vision or night blindness just after any sort of eye infection, the underlying cause can be traced to the same.
4. Eye Surgeries
Eye surgeries can also make you suffer from the issue of astigmatism. The surgical processes can cause irregularity in the shape of the cornea and thus make the vision distorted and the vision at night more distorted. Make sure to seek medical help in such situations without assuming the blurriness is a short-term side effect of the surgery.
Prevention Of Astigmatism
The first thing to keep in mind regarding the prevention of this particular visionary disorder is that it cannot be prevented. However, if you are being treated for this condition, make sure you are not rubbing your eyes frequently which may further worsen the situation.
Apart from that, you may also take precautions not to get any eye injuries. Maintaining a proper eye care routine that helps in keeping up with hygiene standards can also help a lot in preventing possible eye infections which may lead to astigmatism.
Treatment Of Astigmatism
One of the most fortunate things about astigmatism is that you can easily get the issue sorted by having a consultation with an expert ophthalmologist. In most cases, the treatment would be limited to wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses.
However, if your astigmatism is less severe, you may not even need them. There are also treatments such as laser and eye surgery according to the severity. However, it is better not to opt for a laser if you are having dryness in the eye.
Also Check:- What Is The Main Cause Of Strabismus? Can Strabismus Be Cured?
The Takeaway
Now, you know what to do and how to identify this particular visionary disorder known as astigmatism based on the major symptoms and causes. Such comprehensive knowledge regarding the possible preventive measures and treatment options would also make you prepared to go through the condition with ease.
Apart from that, now you also know the time when you should consult an expert, suspecting the disorder; astigmatism. It is also important to understand that wearing glasses or special contact lenses for astigmatism may disturb you with a tilted vision of the ground which is quite normal. You will get used to the vision in a matter of few weeks or else it is recommended to consult your doctor.
References:
- Astigmatism. (2019).
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/astigmatism - National Library of Medicine. Astigmatism (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001015.htm). Accessed 11/20/2022.
- Gurnani B, Kaur K. Astigmatism (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35881747/). 2022 Jul 2. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Accessed 11/20/2022.
