What is Astigmatism, What are its Symptoms, Is There a Treatment?

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision defect. In eyes with astigmatism, the cornea is not round but egg-shaped. Due to the flawed structure of the cornea in eyes with astigmatism, light is refracted with different powers, and two different images appear on the retina. People with astigmatism see distant or near objects as blurry. They cannot see clearly. The image is not sharp. An image that is clear in one direction is blurry at a 90-degree axis. Headaches are inevitable in people with astigmatism. The effort the eyes make to see clearly causes pressure around the eyes and headaches. Astigmatism can occur alone or in combination with myopia and hyperopia.

Treatment Methods

In astigmatism treatment, a suitable pair of glasses can be prescribed by a doctor after an astigmatism test. The glasses must be appropriate for the degree of astigmatism. In addition, options include toric soft contact lenses, gas-permeable rigid contact lenses, astigmatic keratotomy, corneal transplantation, and laser treatment. A doctor's examination is essential before deciding on laser treatment. If deemed appropriate by the doctor after a detailed eye examination, the laser procedure is performed.