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What is it?

Astigmatism takes place when the anterior part of the eye, properly termed the cornea, isn’t a regular even moonlike shape. Alternatively, its configuration is sort of similar to that of the back of a spoon - longer in one manner than another. Because the cornea is an scraggy shape, the eye cannot focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is obscured at all distances.

What causes it?

During prenatal eye development, diverse components control the anatomy of it, including transmitted genetic factors and surroundings. It turns out that these factors can lead to an ragged curve of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.

Who’s affected?

Actually most of us have an astigmatism - but generally it is very mild

Astigmatism is not unusual and is commonly present when a person is born. Most people have a slender astigmatism - it’s exceptional for the cornea to have developed in a dead symmetrical style. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.

In many examples of astigmatism the individual also has different visual troubles 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 obscure 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 fuzzy at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it’s 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 specified optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A full optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.

Small children, who mightn’t be able to answer the optometrist’s enquiries about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.

What’s the treatment?

In most cases, Using contact lenses or glasses, 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.

For some people another option is laser treatment. Try to obtain a balanced view about how good or dangerous laser surgery may be by speaking to your surgeon first.