Astigmatism is a relatively common vision problem that develops from an error in the cornea shape. The condition develops when the cornea or eye lens is irregularly curved. This affects the front part of the eye, changing the way light refracts or passes to the retina. This leads to blurriness, fuzziness, or distorted vision. Find out below what astigmatism is and how it is corrected. 

Different Refractive Errors 

Refractive errors are eye disorders that affect the quality of one's vision. They make it difficult to see things. The shape of an individual’s eye does not bend light the right way, leading to blurry, hazy, or double vision. The types of refractive errors are nearsightedness or myopia, farsightedness or hyperopia, and astigmatism. Astigmatism can affect both children and adults. 

Cause of Astigmatism 

It is unclear what causes astigmatism, although it usually occurs alongside nearsightedness and farsightedness. Genetics plays a huge role, and astigmatism is often present during birth, though it develops later. 

Astigmatism can also occur due to an eye injury or after undergoing eye surgery. In some rare cases, astigmatism can result from keratoconus, an eye disease that affects the eye cornea. 

Types of Astigmatism 

There are two different types of astigmatism; corneal and lenticular astigmatism. Corneal astigmatism occurs when there is a distortion or defect in the cornea. Lenticular astigmatism results from a distortion in the eye lens. Sometimes, astigmatism can be regular or irregular. 

 

Regular astigmatism is when the eye is not round or curved completely but is even. This causes blurry or distorted vision. In irregular astigmatism, the curvature is not round but is also uneven. This astigmatism is less common, and it also causes blurriness and distorted vision. 

 

Developing Astigmatism 

Some individuals have a higher risk of developing astigmatism than others. Those with a family history of eye disorders like keratoconus or astigmatism can develop the condition. 

 

Other risk factors are a thin or scarred cornea, excessive myopia, and excessive farsightedness. Individuals who have had certain forms of eye surgery, including cataract surgery, can also develop astigmatism. 

 

Symptoms of Astigmatism

The symptoms of astigmatism differ from one individual to the next. Some people do not experience any symptoms. The common symptoms include distorted, blurred, or fuzzy vision, difficulty with night vision, eyestrain, eye irritation, headaches, and squinting. See an eye doctor if you experience symptoms of astigmatism. 

Correcting Astigmatism

Mild astigmatism may not need treatment. There are several methods that doctors use to correct astigmatism. These include corrective lenses, orthokeratology (ortho-k), and refractive surgery. 

 

Corrective glasses and contacts are the most common and least invasive form of treatment. Ortho-k treatment involves using special rigid contact lenses that patients wear at night and remove in the morning. Refractive surgery is ideal for severe astigmatism.

 

Treatment of astigmatism depends on the severity or extent of the eye condition. Treatment can help improve vision and reduce the risk of eye complications. Speak with your eye care team at Cincinnati Vision Group to figure out what treatment is best for you.

To understand more about astigmatism and the best methods for correction, contact the team at Cincinnati Vision Group in Cincinnati and Liberty Township, Ohio. You can call (513) 793-5970, (513) 712-5065, or (513) 753-4981 today to schedule an appointment.