Many people want to know more about what is Astigmatism and what are its various treatments.
First things first: Astigmatism is a typical and curable flaw in your eye’s curvature that produces blurry distance and close vision.
Astigmatism is frequently inborn and can coexist with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
So – how do you know if you have it – and how to manage it?
Well, as you might know I’m a bestselling wellness author and research geek who loves to share tools about how to live longer, while maintaining good health and clarity of mind.
I share many health-boosting techniques inside my book “Life is Long.”
In this article I will be sharing helpful insights on how to protect your eyesight – and help you to get the best treatment for astigmatism.
The most common treatment of astigmatism
Well, quite simply, the recommend treatment for astigmatism is the use of prescription glasses and lenses. These lenses help control astigmatism to a great extent. The best type of lenses for astigmatic patients are polycarbonate, trivex, or high index lenses.
Amongst these three lenses, the best lens to use for astigmatism correction is the high index lenses. Hence, if you are diagnosed with astigmatism, you can get new lenses for old frames to suffice your needs.
There are various reliable brands such as Overnight Glasses, Eye Buy Direct, Lensabl, Glasses USA that are providing such services where you can get your eyeglass lenses replaced. I share more about this below. But first, let’s explore more about the vision issue itself.
Astigmatism is of two types:
- Corneal Astigmatism
- Lenticular Astigmatism
If the front surface of your eye or the lens inside your eye has uneven curves, you might have astigmatism. The surface in your eye is egg-shaped rather than having a single curve like a ground ball. At all distances, this causes hazy vision and difficulty in seeing.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Below are a few symptoms that may help in the self-diagnosis of astigmatism. It is best to see a doctor if any of the following symptoms are observed:
- A vision that is hazy or distorted
- Discomfort in the eyes while seeing
- Eyestrains
- Headaches
- Night vision is difficult
- Squinting
Astigmatism in Children
Astigmatism affects many babies at birth, although it usually goes away in a short time or in the future as the child grows up. A child with an untreated eyesight problem could struggle in school.
This may result in a misdiagnosis of a learning disability because children can’t always identify whether they have a visual problem. Therefore, it is suggested that they should get regular eye tests starting around the age of six months.
Causes of Astigmatism
The causes of astigmatism are unknown. Most people are just born with this, and there is no knowledge as to why it develops in people. There is also a possibility of astigmatism developing after an eye surgery or an eye injury.
Another way astigmatism could be caused is Keratoconus. This is a rare disorder that causes astigmatism by making the transparent front part of the eye, which is called the cornea, thinner and more cone-shaped.
However, astigmatism can also be caused by sitting too close to the TV. It is also possible by reading in a place where the light is low.
How does A Doctor Diagnose Astigmatism?
A complete eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is used to identify astigmatism. This is done by a doctor who diagnoses vision disorders and eye ailments. The doctor is known as an optometrist. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who treats visual issues and diseases with medicine and surgery.
During an eye exam, optometrists and ophthalmologists work together and may employ a variety of tests to identify astigmatism. The tests are as follows:
Visual acuity assessment test
This is the simplest of all the tests. In the visual acuity assessment test, the patient is asked to read out the characters that are present on a chart. This chart is placed at a distance or sometimes brought closer to the patient in order to diagnose astigmatism.
Refraction test
This test requires a machine called the optical refractor. The equipment is equipped with a variety of corrective glass lenses of various strengths. On the optical refractor, the doctor asks the patient to read a chart while staring through lenses of various strengths. They’ll finally locate a lens that matches with the patients’ vision correctly.
Keratometry
A keratometer is a device used to look into the eye, and it is used to find and measure the curvature present in the cornea. This is how the doctor will diagnose the presence of astigmatism.
Treatments of Astigmatism
Mild astigmatism does not require complicated treatments. We can treat it with the help of the following treatments:
Corrective lenses
The most popular and painful treatments for astigmatism are doctor-prescribed corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a procedure in which rigid contact lenses are used in order to straighten the abnormal curvature of the cornea for a short period of time. You’ll only be using rigid contact lenses for a short while.
You can wear them at night and then take them off throughout the day. When Ortho-K is used, some people say that they have a clear vision during the day, even without the use of corrective lenses. The advantages of Ortho-K are only apparent when it is used. After you stop using Ortho-K, the symptoms of astigmatism will return.
Surgery
Refractive surgery is a treatment required for people who have severe astigmatism. This procedure of surgery includes reshaping your cornea with the use of lasers or little knives. This surgery is a permanent cure for astigmatism. After this treatment, one will not require any lenses or eyeglasses.
Learn More Keys To Protecting Your Health
Check out my bestselling longevity book, Life Is Long.
Inside I share a wide range of longevity boosters. If you want to learn how to live longer, while maintaining good health and clarity of mind, you will love my book “Life is Long.”
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