What is Astigmatism? What are the Symptoms and Treatments?

Astigmatism is an eye disorder that causes blurred vision due to the abnormal size of the curvature in the cornea or lens of the eye. When the light enters the eye, due to an abnormal curvature, the light is not correctly focused on the retina and astigmatism occurs with the formation of an unclear image. Astigmatism can be seen in both children and adults. This eye condition, which is generally present in the person from birth, can also develop after any eye surgery or eye injury.

What are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is known as an eye defect. This discomfort occurs with some symptoms. These symptoms are listed as follows:

• Blurred and distorted vision
• Squinting the eyes to see more clearly
• Eye fatigue
• Headache
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Double vision problem
• Inability to read for a long time

The general symptoms of astigmatism are listed in this way. People with these symptoms should consult a specialist doctor and have a vision test.

How to Perform Astigmatism Test?

Although astigmatism is seen in most people, it is a condition that cannot be detected until a vision test is performed, especially in children. Undiagnosed astigmatism in childhood affects the reading level and reduces concentration in lessons. For this reason, it is important to diagnose astigmatism and similar defects in the eye at an early stage. The astigmatism test involves measuring how the eyes focus on light and determining the degree of optical lenses needed to improve vision. The following tests are used to examine the eye and detect eye defects:

• Visual acuity test
• Keratometry
• Phoropter

How is Astigmatism Treated?

Low-level astigmatism may not need treatment. If astigmatism has reached a severe level, glasses or lenses can be used. Another recommended method in the treatment of astigmatism is eye laser surgery. Individuals diagnosed with astigmatism are primarily recommended glasses to correct their vision. The glasses used in the treatment are produced using a specially designed cylindrical lens. Contact lens option is recommended for those who want a clear vision at any distance and do not prefer the use of glasses. Cleaning and maintenance related to lens use is extremely important and troublesome. Clear vision can be achieved with a multifocal lens that provides clear vision at far, medium and near distances. If the eye has astigmatism, specially designed toric lenses are recommended for this treatment. Astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia and cataract disease, if any, can also be treated in a single operation with trifocal toric lenses, which also correct astigmatism. The eye defect can be treated by removing tissue from the layers on the cornea with laser surgery method.

Can Astigmatism Be Prevented?

It is not possible to completely prevent astigmatism problem. The fact that the cause of astigmatism is generally genetic factors and is caused by congenital deformities on the eye structure affects the prevention of this condition before it occurs. Astigmatism is known as the defect of low or blurred vision of people's eyes. Some steps can be taken to slow the progression of astigmatism and alleviate the symptoms seen in daily life. Protecting eye health reduces the effects of astigmatism on daily life. Screen use does not increase astigmatism, but it can increase eye strain. For people who are constantly working at the computer, taking short breaks every 20 minutes eases eye strain, although it does not change the degree of astigmatism. Regular eye examinations are of great importance in terms of preventing the progression of astigmatism. In cases where glasses or contact lenses are required, using the correct prescription gives clear vision and eases symptoms such as eye strain.

How Does Astigmatism Problem Affect Vision?

Individuals with astigmatism eye defect see objects around the eyes blurred or distorted. Due to the fact that the light does not focus correctly on the eye, people cannot see objects at both near and far distances clearly. Astigmatism is capable of progressing over time. Astigmatism cannot be completely corrected unless it is treated. This eye defect can be treated by using methods such as glasses, contact lenses or laser surgery.

Can Astigmatism be Treated with Eye Exercises?

Eye exercises do not definitively treat visual defects. Eye exercises can only be used to focus and strengthen the eye muscles. This situation has the feature of reducing eye fatigue and is one of the auxiliary elements that relaxes the eyes in the treatment of astigmatism.

What Happens If People With Astigmatism Do Not Have Treatment?

For those who have astigmatism problems, the progression situation may vary from individual to individual. The degree of astigmatism can remain constant for years or it can progress widely. If the specialist ophthalmologist has given glasses or a similar product to the person with astigmatism, it should be used. The patient's compliance with the treatment plays a role in his/her recovery.

What is Myopia-Astigmatism Disorder?

Myopia is defined as the inability to see far clearly, while astigmatism is defined as the inability to see both far and near clearly. Myopic astigmatism is known as a type of astigmatism in which these two diseases can be seen together.

How to Choose Glasses for Astigmatism?

Glasses are one of the most commonly used methods in the treatment of astigmatism. The choice of glasses in astigmatism problem is extremely important in terms of improving the quality of vision in these people. In cases where glasses will be used, the comfort of the frame and the clarity of the lenses are important. The most appropriate glasses can be selected in line with the doctor's guidance and the needs of the patient.

Is Astigmatism Genetic?

Astigmatism can also develop genetically. Abnormalities on the corneal structure can be caused by genetics. The presence of astigmatism problem in the family increases the risk of this condition in children.

How Does Screen Use Affect Astigmatism?

Screen use for a long time creates a digital eye fatigue. This situation does not have the effect of progressing astigmatism eye defect. Screen use has the feature of increasing eye fatigue, blurred vision and similar symptoms. The act of looking at the screen for a long time is a condition that generally disturbs the eyes.

How to Treat Astigmatism with Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgeries reshape the corneal surface, allowing the light to focus correctly. It is applied using methods such as LASIK, PRK / No Touch laser and SMILE. The procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes and is performed with anaesthetic eye drops, and only mild discomfort may be felt. Postoperative recovery is rapid and most patients can see clearly within a few days. However, whether it is suitable for each patient should be determined by eye examination.