Symptoms, Causes and Treatments of Astigmatism

Even though it is the most common vision impairment, astigmatism remains one of the least known terms (as shown by the often typical reference of this vision imperfection as "a stigmatism"). Astigmatism may or may not accompany other ailments such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, but it is an issue all its own. The main cause of astigmatism involves an irregularly shaped cornea, but an irregularly shaped lens can also trigger it. In an affected eye, astigmatism causes the eyeball to be shaped more oblong and less spherical. This forces light rays to focus on two points in the back of your eye, rather than just on one point on the surface of the cornea.

No matter what the cause of the astigmatism, treatments are available. Eye glasses and contact lenses are common forms of corrective maintenance, as are the increasingly popular refractive surgeries.

How is astigmatism diagnosed? The first sign of the problem involves slightly blurred vision. Uncorrected astigmatisms can cause severe headaches and eye strains, and vision can appear blurred or distorted at all distances and ranges. A vision test performed by an eye care professional can help determine if a patient's vision problems are caused by astigmatism.

People of all ages experience this eye malfunction, and astigmatism is thought to be primarily hereditary. It is a common misconception that people with the disorder cannot correct it with contact lenses. While this was a truth many years ago, it no longer holds weight. Prescriptive lenses can now enable people with astigmatism to see clearly. Likewise, laser treatments such as LASIK and implants such as Intacts are also used as successful, surgical options. This means all individuals diagnosed with this ailment need not suffer and lament. Many viable, safe and very effective options exist for people with astigmatism, leaving it one of the most easily treated visual problems.

About the Author

Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other vision professionals interested in ophthalmic equipment can fulfill their vision testing needs, including equipment for visual acuity testing through Stereo Optical Company.