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Astigmatism - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Last Updated: Apr 07, 2023

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism means that the eyeball isn’t entirely round. Most of us have astigmatism to a certain extent. Light enters a normal eyeball and bends uniformly, giving a clear view. However, if the shape of your eye is curved, light bends more towards one direction. This results in only parts of anything being in focus. Distant objects might appear wavy or blurry. It is quite easy for an ophthalmologist to fix astigmatism using surgery, glasses or contacts. It is not abnormal for people to have it and in most instances, people have it since birth. The exact reason isn’t known. Surgeries, eye diseases, and eye injury may also cause it. Sitting too close to the TV or reading in poor light conditions doesn’t cause it.

A proper eye exam may be needed if you have blurred vision as it may also mean that you are farsighted or nearsighted. As the symptoms of astigmatism gradually appear, a visit to the eye doctor is essential if vision changes are apparent. Contacts or glasses can correct most cases of astigmatism. If the extent of astigmatism is very less, then corrective measures may not be needed. The cornea is the frontal portion of the eye and gets affected in irregular astigmatism, which is quite uncommon. Keratoconus is one such type where the usually round cornea turns cone-shaped.

Can Astigmatism go away?

Unfortunately no, in every case of Astigmatism. One may need medical help in order to get relief from the vision impairment. There is a 50% chance that it may not get worse as you grow, however it will stay the same in that case.

Summary: Vision impairment caused by Astigmatism cannot be cured without medical help and diagnoses.

Does Astigmatism get worse with age?

Yes or no, there is a 50-50 chance that your Astigmatism gets worse with age. If it does not get any worse, it may stay the same. The medical condition does not get any better without professional help.

Summary: There is a 50-50 chance that your Astigmatism gets worse with age. Either it gets worse or be the same as you grow.

What does astigmatism do to your vision?

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It happens when the cornea or lens of the eye has an uneven shape, which results in improper light refractiveness. This can result in headaches, eyestrain, and difficulty seeing fine details.

What are the types of astigmatism?

Myopic astigmatism, hyperopic astigmatism, and mixed astigmatism are the three primary varieties. Myopic astigmatism occurs when one or both principal meridians are nearsighted, hyperopic astigmatism occurs when one or both meridians are farsighted, and mixed astigmatism occurs when one meridian is nearsighted and the other is farsighted.

What are astigmatism symptoms?

A frequent refractive problem of the eye called astigmatism can result in blurry or distorted vision, eye strain, migraines, and trouble seeing at night. Squinting, eye pain, and trouble concentrating on objects at various distances are some additional symptoms that may be present. Refractive surgery, contact lenses, or glasses can all be used to treat it.

What causes astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens in the eye, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. Vision may become hazy or distorted as a result. Astigmatism can occasionally be genetic and present at birth. Other causes may include eye injuries, eye surgery, or certain eye diseases.

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Two treatments are available for the common types of astigmatism:

  • Corrective Lenses –These are contacts or glasses. If astigmatism affects you, then the doctor would prescribe a type of soft, special contact lenses (also called toric). They can bend light, to a greater degree in one direction. If the degree of astigmatism is severe, then a rigid gas-permeable lenses may be needed. The ophthalmologist will be best able to choose the right one for you.
  • Refractive Surgery- The cornea’s shape gets changed due to this laser surgery. There are multiple types, so an ophthalmologist can help you choose the right one. In order to do this, there shouldn’t be any corneal scars or retinal problems.

What happens if Astigmatism is left untreated?

A small amount of Astigmatism can get unnoticed but as it gets worse it can cause serious complications. One of them is amblyopia or in general terms laymen’s eyes. It can decrease the ability to see clearly or in longer terms loss of vision.

Summary: Astigmatism can get worse and it can cause serious complications. It can decrease the ability to see clearly or in longer terms loss of vision.

How can I fix my Astigmatism naturally?

Since Astigmatism does not go away on its own, there are some things that one can do in order to naturally treat Astigmatism:

  • Regular checkups: keep an eye on things like Head tilt. You can look into the mirror and see which way it goes. Try to get straight by gently pushing it to the other side every day.
  • Stay away from the screen: constant exposure to the Mobile or the laptop screen can make your eyes look tired and exhausted. Try to follow things like the 20-20 eye rule, eye massage, eye yoga Reading, And blinking can keep your eyes healthy and nice.
  • Exercise: one of the healthiest ways to treat something is physical exercise. You can do things like Rectus muscles relaxation, And number 8 moments can benefit vision health.
  • Diet: Adding things that are enriched in vitamins A, B, and C can help you regain the lost strength of your eyes making them better. Keeping an optimum amount will reduce the stress or treat muscles.
Summary: Astigmatism does not go away on its own, it needs a specific treatment plan. however, there are some things that one can do in order to naturally treat Astigmatism.

How can I prevent astigmatism?

A frequent refractive defect that impairs vision is astigmatism. While it cannot be prevented, some measures can reduce the risk of developing it, such as getting regular eye exams, maintaining a healthy diet, wearing protective eyewear, and avoiding smoking. It's also important to manage other health conditions that can affect the eyes, such as diabetes.

When should I have my eyes examined?

It is recommended that individuals have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years, or more frequently if they have a family history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors. People with existing vision problems should have exams more frequently, as advised by their eye doctor.

What food is good for Astigmatism?

Here is the list of food items that will be helpful for you to eliminate Astigmatism in your eyes:

  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Carrots
  • Lamb
  • Eggs or other types of Poultry
  • Orange
  • Limes
Summary: Food is considered one of the most powerful tools that regulate your body. Adding or eliminating certain foods can help you decrease the damage of Astigmatism.

When should I see an eye care specialist?

You should see an eye care specialist if you experience any changes in your vision or eye health, such as blurred or double vision, eye pain or discomfort, redness, swelling, or discharge, or if you have a family history of eye disease. Maintaining good eye health also requires regular eye exams.

What questions should I ask my eye care specialist?

  • How sharp is my vision right now?
  • Do I require a new prescription for contacts or glasses?
  • Are there any changes or concerns with my eye health?
  • What are the best ways to protect my eyes from damage or disease?
  • What should I do if my vision changes or I feel uncomfortable?

How long does it take to recover from Astigmatism?

It is possible to treat astigmatism with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. The recovery time depends on the treatment method, but most people can see significant improvement in their vision within a few days to a few weeks after treatment.

Who is eligible for the Astigmatism treatment?

Diopters are used to measure astigmatism. If you have 6 diopters or less, you may be qualified for Astigmatism treatment.

Who is not eligible for the Astigmatism treatment?

If your level of astigmatism is average, you probably wear glasses or contacts as corrective lenses.

What are the post-treatment Astigmatism guidelines?

  • Take frequent rests.
  • Regularly blink.
  • Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds once every 20 minutes (the "20-20-20" rule).
  • If you need to take any medication, speak with your doctor.

What is the price of Astigmatism treatments in India?

The cost of treatment in India might range from 20,000 INR to 90,000 INR, depending on the clinic or hospital you select, your location of residency, and other treatments that may be necessary given your conditions.

What are the side effects of treatments for Astigmatism?

There are dangers associated with astigmatism surgery. Surgery's aftereffects are frequently transient and go away in a few weeks. They include dry eyes, light sensitivity, and issues with night vision. However, additional (and more severe) issues might also happen, like eyesight loss or returning to the pre-surgery state.

Conclusion

Astigmatism can be described as vision impairment. It happens because of the tilted or unusual direction. It cannot be cured on its own, however, home care and medication can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can astigmatism be corrected?

You can treat astigmatism with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Is astigmatism Curable Naturally?

No, there is no natural way to treat astigmatism.

What foods treat astigmatism?

There are no specific foods that treat astigmatism, but eating a healthy diet can support overall eye health.

What eye shape is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by anomalies in the corneal or lens's curvature, not by the form of the eyes.

Which vitamin deficiency causes astigmatism?

No known vitamin deficiency causes astigmatism.

What should you avoid if you have astigmatism?

Avoid eye strain, excessive screen time, and smoking if you have astigmatism.

Can LASIK fix astigmatism?

By reshaping the cornea, LASIK can treat astigmatism.

What is the success rate of laser surgery for astigmatism?

The success rate of laser surgery for astigmatism is generally high, with most people achieving the improved vision.

References

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Written ByDr. Anurag Agarwal MS - Ophthalmology,MBBSOphthalmology
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