Astigmatism is when there is issue with the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens. With Astigmatism people feel blurry vision at all distances.
Astigmatism is a refractive error that is the most common reason people see an eye doctor. It is frequently present at birth, but it may not be severe enough to warrant corrective intervention. People with mild astigmatism may not experience any symptoms. Regular eye exams are necessary to maintain clear eyesight.
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Symptoms of Astigmatism
Blurred vision: This is one of the most common symptoms of astigmatism, especially at night or when looking at distant objects.
Eye strain: Astigmatism can cause eye strain and fatigue, especially when reading or working on a computer for long periods.
Headaches: Some people with astigmatism may experience headaches, particularly if they are straining their eyes to see clearly.
Difficulty seeing in low light: Astigmatism can make it difficult to see in low light conditions, such as when driving at night.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is often present from birth, but it can also develop later in life due to an injury or eye disease. In some cases, astigmatism may be inherited.
Diagnosis of Astigmatism
An eye exam is the best way to diagnose astigmatism. Your eye doctor will use a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope to examine the back of your eye and look for any abnormalities. They may also perform a refraction test to determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
Treatment of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Glasses: Glasses are a common and effective way to correct astigmatism. Your eye doctor will prescribe a prescription that will help your eyes focus light correctly.
Contact lenses: Contact lenses are another option for correcting astigmatism. They are available in both soft and hard varieties.
Refractive surgery: Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure that can permanently correct astigmatism. There are several types of refractive surgery, including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE.
Living with Astigmatism
If you have astigmatism, there are several things you can do to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. These include:
Regular eye exams: It is important to see your eye doctor for regular eye exams to monitor your vision and ensure that your prescription is up-to-date.
Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can worsen astigmatism.
Rest your eyes: If you spend a lot of time looking at a screen, be sure to take breaks to rest your eyes.
Avoid eye strain: If you have astigmatism, it is important to avoid activities that can strain your eyes, such as reading in dim light or working on a computer for long periods.
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can be easily corrected. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of astigmatism, it is important to see your eye doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
