Does Somebody in Your Family Possess an Astigmatism?
What is it?
Astigmatism occurs when the anterior region of the eye, technically referred to as the cornea, isn’t a regular even round shape. Alternatively, its mold is rather similar to that of the back of a spoon - longer in one direction than another. Due to the fact that the cornea is an uneven form, the eye cannot focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is smudged at all distances.
What causes it?
During prenatal eye development, diverse components decide the configuration of it, including ancestral genetic factors and environment. Apparently these elements can lead to an jagged 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 unimportant astigmatism - it is uncommon for the cornea to have formed in a absolutely symmetrical style. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.
In many instances of astigmatism the individual also has other visual troubles like 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 obscured or distorted whether the individual is reading close up or looking further into the distance.
In milder cases the person may complain their vision is fuzzy at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it’s 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 full optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.
Tiny children, who mightn’t be able to answer the optometrist’s enquiries about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.
What’s the treatment?
By and large, astigmatism can be corrected by wearing properly fitted specs 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.
Some may choose laser surgery. You should discuss the benefits and risks of this treatment with your surgeon before you go decide whether to have it.
