A Family Doctor's Tale -ASTIGMATISM

DOC I HAVE ASTIGMATISM

Astigmatism is quite common in many patients . It is a common cause of blurred vision in children and adults. Some patients diagnosed as myopia (short sightedness) actually have astigmatism and must be treated correctly to improve their vision.


Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea of the eye is curved differently leading to blurred and distorted at all distances.

The eyeball is flattened usually from above downwards or sometimes sideways or along an oblique axis.

It is different from short or long sightedness.

It is therefore important to recognize Astigmatism and seek the correct treatment for it.

Astigmatism is generally an inherited condition where the curvature of the cornea of the eye is different from a normal person.

Because of the curvature, the eye is seeing the objects in front of it at a different angle. Light is entering the eye at a different angle which cast shadows and cause blurring of vision.

Besides inheritance it is also possible to get Astigmatism from eye surgery or sport injuries.

Symptoms of Astigmatism
1.Blurred and distorted vision of near and distant objects

2.blurring of vertical, horizontal and diagnonal lines

3.eye strain and fatigue

4.sensitivity to light

5.Tired and dry eyes

6.Headaches

Astigmatism can be diagnosed easily by your optometrist or eye specialist.

A eye examination followed by vision tests and computerized testing of the curvature of eye, short sight ness, long sight ness and any other abnormality of eye vision.

Prescription spectacles and contact lens can be prescribed to correct the Astigmatism.

Other methods of treatment include LASIK, wavefront eye surgery, lens implants especially in older patients