Although astigmatism is one of the most common eye conditions, many people do not know what the condition actually means.
It is usually caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens. Astigmatism can also be accompanied by far or nearsightedness.
Just about any form of astigmatism can be remedied by means of the correct lenses, correct glasses or by means of an operation.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is formed rather oval than round. In normal cornea the curvature is the same in all directions, while in astigmatism the curvature is more pronounced in certain directions. Because of this uneven curvature, the image of something is distorted.
Normally, astigmatism can be remedied, although there are more complex variants where a solution is not always obvious. The latter depends on the strength of the curvature and the cause of this.
Astigmatism is usually hereditary: people are born with it and the symptoms get worse over time.
In addition, it can also occur due to small scratches on the cornea as a result of an injury to the eye or certain eye operations.
Sometimes light forms of astigmatism are not even noticed or only suffer from a slightly blurred vision. While in other cases head and eye pain manifests itself and people suffer from very blurred and even distorted vision.
Because astigmatism does not only occur in adults, it is important that children are regularly tested for this.
Unless it is a rather extreme form of astigmatism, the condition can be corrected by means of glasses or contact lenses.
It is usually caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens. Astigmatism can also be accompanied by far or nearsightedness.
Just about any form of astigmatism can be remedied by means of the correct lenses, correct glasses or by means of an operation.
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is formed rather oval than round. In normal cornea the curvature is the same in all directions, while in astigmatism the curvature is more pronounced in certain directions. Because of this uneven curvature, the image of something is distorted.
Normally, astigmatism can be remedied, although there are more complex variants where a solution is not always obvious. The latter depends on the strength of the curvature and the cause of this.
Astigmatism is usually hereditary: people are born with it and the symptoms get worse over time.
In addition, it can also occur due to small scratches on the cornea as a result of an injury to the eye or certain eye operations.
Signs and symptoms of astigmatism
Sometimes light forms of astigmatism are not even noticed or only suffer from a slightly blurred vision. While in other cases head and eye pain manifests itself and people suffer from very blurred and even distorted vision.
Because astigmatism does not only occur in adults, it is important that children are regularly tested for this.
Treatment of astigmatism
Unless it is a rather extreme form of astigmatism, the condition can be corrected by means of glasses or contact lenses.