What is Astigmatic?
What does astigmatism mean? What is astigmatism?
The cornea, located in the most anterior layer of the eye, has the task of protecting the eye from external factors and correctly refracting light. A properly structured cornea refracts light and transmits it to the retina, which is the retina at the back of the eye. The transmitted images allow us to see clearly.
In an eye with refractive errors, since the shape of the cornea has some irregularities, it cannot refract the incident light correctly and causes the image to be transmitted to the retina as blurry. This is a condition in which the rays entering the eye cannot be focused on the retina.
What causes astigmatism?
Refractive errors can occur as a result of genetic origin, congenital or diseases that can cause changes in the stratum corneum. Another reason for astigmatism is that it can occur after a blow to the eye or eye surgery. One of the most important causes is keratoconus.
How do people with astigmatism see?
A person cannot see clearly either near or far. Sees objects stretched out and scattered. This results in distorted or blurry vision.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
Although the symptoms of astigmatism vary from person to person, people with astigmatism often have blurry or blurred vision at far or near distances.
The most common symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Light appears diffuse
- Vision problems while driving at night
- Tired eyes after prolonged reading or focusing on something
- Squinting eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Headache
- Blurred vision
Since these symptoms make daily life difficult, an eye examination should be performed when symptoms appear for treatment. Some symptoms may be caused by other health or vision problems. Therefore, do not neglect the advice of an ophthalmologist to understand the cause of the problem.
What types of astigmatism are exist?
It is divided into two groups. Visual impairments can also be classified according to other associated refractive errors.
Myopia → astigmatism (problem of astigmatism and nearsightedness) and hypermetropia → astigmatism (problem of astigmatism and farsightedness)
With correct astigmatism, the image is formed as two lines perpendicular to each other in two separate planes, while with incorrect astigmatism, we see that instead of two perpendicular meridians, there are many focusing lines, so unevenly blurred visual acuity is greatly reduced. It can't be corrected with glasses.
How is the astigmatism test done?
An auto-refractometry device is used for the test, and a series of evaluations are performed by the doctor. The diagnosis can be made after tests and evaluations made during a general eye examination.
Does astigmatism go away? How is astigmatism treated?
Refractive errors such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness do not disappear on their own. The condition of the eyes must be evaluated and treated.
How is astigmatism treated?
Refractive errors can be diagnosed by a general eye examination and treatment with eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed by a doctor. Glasses or contact lenses do not reduce vision.
For complete treatment, refractive surgery (laser or intraocular lenses) or treatment with intraocular lenses may be recommended, depending on the condition of the eye. In severe cases, doctors usually recommend refractive surgery. In this type of surgery, lasers or small blades are used to reshape the cornea.
Laser vision correction for astigmatism (laser treatment)
Three surgical types are commonly used for treatment: SMILE, No Touch, LASIK, i-LASIK, and PRK. There is no 100% guarantee of a diopter reset after laser surgery, but about 95 out of 100 people who have laser eye treatment can achieve good vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Prices for astigmatism surgery
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 0.50 astigmatism?
People with 0.50 diopters usually do not need glasses and can lead a normal life. However, it is very important to take care of your vision without missing regular eye exams.
How do people with 1.75 astigmatism see?
People with 1.75 diopters may need glasses in everyday life. This is because they see objects and light diffuse and blurry when performing tasks that require concentration or while driving at night.
What happens if a person with astigmatism does not use glasses?
Special lenses are used for people with astigmatism. The glasses used are curved to compensate for corneal deformities and allow the person to see more clearly.
People above a certain degree (1.00-4.00) may experience problems such as headaches and eye fatigue when they do not wear glasses for a long time. For this reason, it is important to use glasses at the intervals recommended by your doctor to avoid these symptoms.
What is myopic astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea has an abnormal curvature that creates two focal points pointing to two different points. It also causes near and far objects to appear blurry. Astigmatism can be combined with myopia. In this case, objects at a distance do not seem clear, and at the same time, diffuse vision may occur.
What is hypermetropic astigmatism?
When astigmatism and hypermetropia are combined, clarity of vision soon disappears and blurred vision occurs. Astigmatism manifests itself both near and far. This negatively affects the daily life of a person. A detailed eye examination (examination with drops) is required to detect and treat farsightedness and astigmatism.
Is astigmatism progressing?
If left untreated after onset, progression is possible. People with visual impairments should have regular eye examinations and monitor their vision.
Does astigmatism cause headaches?
Headache is one of the main complaints of patients. This is because the images are unclear and there is a constant focus problem.
Is there a cure for astigmatism? Does it go away?
Once diagnosed, it can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
How is astigmatism diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made using a series of tests used in a general eye examination. However, people who believe they have vision problems can check for symptoms in the Astigmatism Symptoms section. However, given that some cases of astigmatism may be asymptomatic, an eye examination is essential for complete control.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*Page content is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment
Last Update Date: 02.06.2023
