What Is Astigmatism and What to Do About It?
Astigmatism is a common condition experienced by many people across Canada. While this condition can be frustrating at times, astigmatism is generally treatable, and the symptoms can be mitigated in several ways. In this article, we’ll explain what astigmatism is, its symptoms and causes, and how it can be treated.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when your eye’s cornea or lens is misshapen. Typically, the shape of the cornea or lens is evenly rounded, but with astigmatism, the shape is more ovular. The cause of astigmatism is unknown, but there is likely a genetic component.
In a rounded eye, light is equally refracted into the retina and forms a sharp, focused image–but if your cornea or lens is shaped like an oval, the light rays are refracted incorrectly and form two separate images instead of just one.
How Does Astigmatism Affect Your Eyesight?
Due to the incorrect refraction on the retina, astigmatism causes distortion and blurred vision at all distances, both near and far. This often means that you will need to squint to see clearly, which can cause eye strain and headaches. Additionally, you may have trouble seeing at night due to the blurriness and glare of lights.
Many cases of astigmatism are mild and can go unnoticed for several years–particularly by children, who are unaware of what typical vision should look like. This is why routine comprehensive eye exams are so important; an eye care professional can diagnose cases of astigmatism and make your vision as clear as possible.
Who Is Prone to Astigmatism?
Doctors aren’t sure what causes astigmatism. Astigmatism is often inherited, meaning it’s passed down from parent to child, but it can also develop in childhood or adulthood. In addition, astigmatism can be caused by an eye injury, eye disease, or as a result of eye surgery.
There are several common misconceptions surrounding the cause of astigmatism. Being too close to screens and reading in low light may be cited as causes of astigmatism, but these are both myths.
How to Correct Astigmatism
Fortunately, astigmatism is a treatable condition. After diagnosis, your optometrist will likely recommend special glasses or contact lenses for astigmatism. There are two main types of astigmatism lenses: toric soft lenses and RGP lenses. Depending on the severity of your condition, your optometrist will prescribe you one of these contact lens types.
For particularly severe cases, surgery is also an option. Refractive surgery is designed to correct refractive errors like astigmatism. It does so by reshaping the cornea so light is correctly focused in the retina and creates a single image rather than two overlapping images.
Book an Eye Exam in Edmonton
If you are experiencing symptoms of astigmatism, including blurry vision, headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing at night, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Ambleside Optometry. Our expert optometrists will diagnose and treat your astigmatism as efficiently and effectively as possible. Contact us today to book your appointment!