Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by an irregular shape of the cornea that prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface of the back of the eye. The most common symptom is blurred or distorted vision from any distance. People with astigmatism may also experience eye strain, headaches, staring to try to see clearly, or discomfort in the eye.
People with a mild form of astigmatism may not notice any symptoms. It is important to note that some symptoms of astigmatism can be related to other eye problems. Therefore it is necessary to conduct regular eye examinations. This is especially true for children, who may not realize that there is something wrong with their vision.
Recurrent symptoms
Symptoms can range from a slight blurred vision to severe eye strain, staring and headache.
Blurred vision
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision. 3 Astigmatism occurs because the shape of the eye is different from normal. The normal eye has a rounded shape, while the eye with astigmatism resembles a football ball, which makes light rays unable to focus at one point. This results in blurred vision from any distance. Sometimes blurry vision is mild and unnoticed in people with astigmatism.
Refractive errors
Astigmatism is a form of refractive error, which affects how the eyes bend or refract light. Other types of conditions that are also refractive errors include nearsightedness (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) – and astigmatism can play a role in each of these conditions, too.
Double Vision
When the eyes are not aligned, the same object will appear double. Many problems can lead to double vision, including cataracts, strabismus, and astigmatism.
People with severe cases of astigmatism may experience monolithic double vision. It is a kind of vision phenomenon that occurs in only one eye.
Eye strain
Eye strain is a common symptom of astigmatism. People with astigmatism often feel that their eyes are tired or sensitive to light. The problem can appear when reading a book or looking at the screen, for example, and disappear when the activity stops. Eye strain can last from a few minutes to several hours, and can be followed by other symptoms, including: 5
- Pain in the eye
- Dry eyes
- Itching or burning in the eye
- Squint eyes
- Headaches, especially around the eyes and forehead
- Blurred or doubled vision
- poor concentration
- Eye twitching
- Photophobia (allergic)
Headaches
Poor night vision
Excessive staring
Complications
Astigmatism is a common problem, occurring in about one in three people in the United States and may occur with nearsightedness or farsightedness.6 It can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including:
- Keratoconus:
This condition occurs when the astigmatism condition worsens over time. In keratoconus, the cornea gradually becomes thinner in one area and begins to swell.3 If it progresses, it can lead to corneal scarring, which can lead to vision loss. Some people with keratoconus experience frequent vision fluctuations. In some cases, it can take years for people to notice any change in vision. People with this condition also report that their vision doesn’t improve much with corrective glasses.
Amblyopia:
Camouflage caused by uncorrected astigmatism during early development can lead to amblyopia. It can occur if one eye is affected by astigmatism or both eyes are unevenly affected. People born with astigmatism may suffer from this problem, also known as lazy eye because the brain does not respond to the signs it receives from the affected eye. When diagnosed at an early stage, it can be fixed by wearing eye bandages and/or wearing glasses full-time. Some cases may require surgery, which is often performed at an early age.
When to see a healthcare provider?
Symptoms of astigmatism are often mild and can go unnoticed. However, when the symptoms are persistent and make daily activities such as driving or reading more difficult, it is important to have a thorough eye exam. Usually, you can correct mild to moderate astigmatism with glasses or contact lenses. Glasses have a special prescription for a cylindrical lens that compensates for astigmatism and provides additional strength in certain parts of the lens. In general, a single vision lens is prescribed to provide clear vision at all distances.
If you are under 65, it is essential that you have your eyes checked every two years to detect astigmatism and any other problem ahead of time. 9 People over 65 years of age must undergo a screening once a year. Everyone should make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist if they notice any sudden changes in their vision.
Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by a defect in the anatomy of the eye, so there is no way to prevent this problem. However, you can develop astigmatism early and avoid allowing it to cause additional complications by checking your eyes regularly. A wide range of options are available to help you deal with and even correct your astigmatism. Consult your healthcare provider to learn more about the best treatment for you.
A word from Ibsar Specialized Center
Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by a defect in the anatomy of the eye, so there is no way to prevent this problem. However, you can develop astigmatism early and avoid allowing it to cause additional complications by checking your eyes regularly. A wide range of options are available to help you deal with and even correct your astigmatism. Consult your healthcare provider to learn more about the best treatment for you.
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