What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs when the shape of the cornea or lens is not perfectly round. This irregular shape causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
People with astigmatism often experience:
- Blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances
- Eye strain and fatigue
- Frequent headaches, especially after reading or staring at screens
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
If you or your child experience these symptoms, it is important to have an eye examination promptly.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can develop due to several factors:
- Abnormal shape of the cornea or lens present from birth
- Genetic or hereditary factors
- Eye injury or trauma
- Certain eye diseases
- Following eye surgery
Types of Astigmatism
There are different types of astigmatism:
- Corneal astigmatism: an irregular cornea shape
- Lenticular astigmatism: an imperfect lens shape
- Myopic astigmatism: difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Hyperopic astigmatism: difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly
- Mixed astigmatism: combination of both near and far vision problems
How to Detect Astigmatism
You can do a simple test at home to check for astigmatism:
- Cover one eye and look at a set of lines approximately 2-3 meters away
- Observe whether the lines appear equally sharp or if some lines seem darker or blurrier
- Differences in line clarity may indicate astigmatism
However, a professional eye examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
How to Treat Astigmatism
At Mayapada Eye Centre, astigmatism can be corrected with several options:
- Eyeglasses with special lenses: These lenses correct the blurred vision caused by astigmatism.
- Contact lenses (Soft lenses): Specialized contact lenses provide a convenient way to improve vision comfortably.
- Laser Vision Correction (LASIK / SMILE Pro): Laser surgery reshapes the cornea to provide clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
Regular eye check-ups are crucial to detect astigmatism early, especially if you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, or eye fatigue. Early detection and proper treatment help preserve eye health and improve your quality of vision.
Mayapada Eye Centre offers comprehensive eye exams with experienced ophthalmologists using the latest technology. We are ready to provide the best solutions for astigmatism and help maintain your family’s eye health.