Understanding astigmatism: symptoms, causes, and treatment options

Astigmatism is a common visual disorder that affects the way light is focused by the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.

Fortunately, astigmatism is easily treatable, and at OCL Vision, we offer a range of solutions to help you achieve clear vision.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism occurs due to the irregular shape of the eye, specifically the cornea or the lens. In a healthy eye, the cornea and lens are shaped like a regular sphere, allowing light to be focused accurately onto the retina. However, in astigmatism, the cornea or lens is more oval-shaped, leading to a refractive error where light rays are not focused correctly. This results in distorted or blurred vision as the light does not converge properly on the retina.

Symptoms of astigmatism

Astigmatism can cause a variety of symptoms, often related to vision clarity and eye comfort. These symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Eye strain and discomfort
• Squinting or 'screwing up' of the eyes to see clearly
• Headaches
• Fatigue, especially after prolonged visual tasks
• Difficulty with night vision

Causes of astigmatism

Astigmatism can be hereditary, meaning it runs in families, but it can also result from other factors such as:

• Previous eye scarring or trauma
• Past eye surgeries
• Certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea) and pterygia (growth of tissue on the cornea)

Treatment options for astigmatism

Several treatment options are available for astigmatism, depending on the severity and the patient's preference. These include:

1. Glasses and contact lenses:
• Glasses: The most common and simplest way to correct astigmatism. Prescription lenses compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens.
• Contact Lenses: Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism by adjusting the way light enters the eye.
2. Laser eye surgery:
• LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): This popular procedure reshapes the cornea using a laser, correcting the refractive error and providing clear vision.
• LASEK/TransPRK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy/Trans Epithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy): These are alternative laser procedures that are suitable for patients with thinner corneas or those not ideal candidates for LASIK.
3. Toric lens implants:
• During cataract and lens replacement surgery, astigmatism can be corrected with the implantation of toric lenses. These lenses are specifically designed to correct the irregular shape of the cornea or lens, providing clear vision post-surgery. This option may be more appropriate for individuals over the age of 45.

Find out more about vision correction procedures here.

Conclusion

Astigmatism is a common visual disorder that can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. At OCL Vision, we are dedicated to providing personalised care and the latest treatment options to help you see clearly.

If you suffer from blurred vision or eye strain and would like to discuss potential astigmatism treatment options, please book your free initial consultation.