What is it?

Astigmatism occurs when the front region of the eye, known as cornea, is not a regular even apple-shaped shape. Rather, its mold is quite like that of the back of a spoon – longer in one manner than another. Because the cornea is an irregular form, the eye cannot focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is fuzzy at all distances.

What causes it?

As the eye originates in the womb, diverse factors specify the configuration of it, including ancestral genetic factors and environment. Apparently these factors can cause an crooked curve of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.

Who’s affected?

Most people have a slight astigmatism

Astigmatism is common and is commonly present when a person is born. Most people have a mild astigmatism – it’s uncommon for the cornea to have formed in a utterly symmetrical fashion. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.

In many cases of astigmatism the person also has other visual problems such as 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 smudged or distorted whether the person is reading close up or looking further into the distance.

In milder cases the person may complain their vision is obscure at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it is 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 certified optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A thorough optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.

Teeny children, who may not be able to answer the optometrist’s queries about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.

What’s the treatment?

By and large, Using contact lenses or specs, which have been bespokely designed, you can sort out most cases of astigmatism.

Milder astigmatism may not need treatment unless the person is doing a job that puts intensive demands on the eyes, for example, computer work.

There are instances when you will be able to surgically correct your astigmatism using a technique termed refractive surgery.

Some may choose laser surgery. Try to obtain a balanced view about how good or dangerous laser surgery may be by speaking to your surgeon first.