Question

What is astigmatism ? How is it caused ? How can it be corrected?

Answer 1

Hint: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that is caused by an error in the shape of the cornea. In this, usually the shape of the eye gets distorted. Treatment of this problem can only be given by a specialized doctor.

Complete answer:
Astigmatism is an infection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or the lens. The shape of the normal eye is a basketball type but after this defect it causes the shape of the eye to become an oval shape. It is of two type:
1. CORNEAL ASTIGMATISM- When the cornea has a distorted shape.
2. LENTICULAR ASTIGMATISM- When the shape of the lens is distorted.

In either case, our vision for both near and far objects is blurry and distorted. Along with it, a person might have refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Uncorrected astigmatism can impact a child's ability to achieve their goals.

CAUSE- It is caused due to irregular curvature of the eye's cornea. Irregular shape of the lens does not allow light rays to get refracted properly. It causes blurred or distorted vision at near and far distances. Astigmatism can develop after an eye disease, eye injury or surgery. It is a myth that astigmatism can develop or worsen from reading in low light or sitting close to television.

SYMPTOMS- It includes:
1. blurred vision or areas of distorted vision
2. eye strain
3. Headache
4. squinting or eye discomfort

TREATMENT- It is usually first diagnosed by the doctor by taking a comprehensive eye exam. Usually mild or moderate astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses used. Glasses or contacts can correct astigmatism by compensating for even curves in your lens or cornea. Rigid contacts and soft contacts can be used for contact lenses for astigmatism.

Note: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision. Farsightedness and nearsightedness are the two other types of problems with the way light passes to the retina. We can call farsightedness as hyperopia and nearsightedness as myopia.