Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a term used quite often. I find that many people become concerned when they hear they have this ocular condition. However, regular astigmatism is benign and quite common. Simply put, it is one of the three types of refractive errors. Most people are either near-sighted, far-sighted, have astigmatism, or are a combination of these.
Near-sighted patients cannot see clearly in the distance when they are not wearing glasses or contacts; far-sighted patients see better in the distance compared to at near; and astigmatic patients may see objects as stretched or hazy at all distances without adequate correction.
Many people have heard the analogy of astigmatism being related to the shape of their eye mimicking that of an American football. There is some truth to this. It all has to do with meridians of the eye being steeper or flatter than the others. When this occurs, light (or vision) does not focus perfectly at the back of the eye. Rather, it focuses on multiple points and makes things look hazy or smeared. Another way to think about astigmatism is that it requires two separate prescriptions to make objects as clear as they can be. When astigmatism is not fully corrected, symptoms are exacerbated at night time, in the rain, or dark conditions in general.
Mild astigmatism usually does not create visual symptoms, however these patients often see much better when they have that mild correction implemeted. Moderate to severe degrees of astigmatism certainly can be bothersome. These patients usually know this is part of their refractive error and they need it corrected for in their glasses and contacts.
The other question I am often asked is “can astigmatism be corrected?” The answer to that is yes of course. Astigmatism can be corrected for just like near-sighteness and far-sightedness. There are multiple options too. Glasses and contacts are the simplest, but LASIK is appropriate for some patients as well as other corneal procedures. Additionally, cataract removal with intraocular lens implantation, if one qualifies.
Astigmatism is a term used quite often. I find that many people become concerned when they hear they have this ocular condition. However, regular astigmatism is benign and quite common. Simply put, it is one of the three types of refractive errors. Most people are either near-sighted, far-sighted, have astigmatism, or are a combination of these.
Near-sighted patients cannot see clearly in the distance when they are not wearing glasses or contacts; far-sighted patients see better in the distance compared to at near; and astigmatic patients may see objects as stretched or hazy at all distances without adequate correction.
Many people have heard the analogy of astigmatism being related to the shape of their eye mimicking that of an American football. There is some truth to this. It all has to do with meridians of the eye being steeper or flatter than the others. When this occurs, light (or vision) does not focus perfectly at the back of the eye. Rather, it focuses on multiple points and makes things look hazy or smeared. Another way to think about astigmatism is that it requires two separate prescriptions to make objects as clear as they can be. When astigmatism is not fully corrected, symptoms are exacerbated at night time, in the rain, or dark conditions in general.
Mild astigmatism usually does not create visual symptoms, however these patients often see much better when they have that mild correction implemeted. Moderate to severe degrees of astigmatism certainly can be bothersome. These patients usually know this is part of their refractive error and they need it corrected for in their glasses and contacts.
The other question I am often asked is “can astigmatism be corrected?” The answer to that is yes of course. Astigmatism can be corrected for just like near-sighteness and far-sightedness. There are multiple options too. Glasses and contacts are the simplest, but LASIK is appropriate for some patients as well as other corneal procedures. Additionally, cataract removal with intraocular lens implantation, if one qualifies.