Astigmatism has the medical term astigmatism. This term refers to the condition of the eye that experiences blurred and shadowy vision because the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly convex. The most common signs and symptoms felt by people with astigmatism are blurred or shadowy vision. Sufferers often squint when looking far or near. In addition, sufferers usually complain of difficulty reading small writing. Other symptoms that are often complained of are headaches, eye strain, and fatigue after reading or using a computer. In mild astigmatism, visual disturbances may not occur significantly.
Unfortunately, if astigmatism is suffered by children, they are likely to be unaware of it. This may be because children’s knowledge of an object is not yet perfect. In children, symptoms of astigmatism can include difficulty focusing on the writing in the books they read. They may also experience headaches, fatigue, and eye strain.
Causes of Astigmatism
The eye has several key components to be able to see well. One of them is the optical system of the eye which consists of the cornea and lens. Both work together to make incoming light focus to form a perfect image on the retina. In people with astigmatism, the cornea experiences imperfections in shape. The cornea should have a perfect convex shape, resembling the curve of a ball. In astigmatism, the convexity of the eyeball resembles a rugby ball. Imperfections in the convexity of the lens can also cause astigmatism. When the convexity that is formed is not perfect or uneven, astigmatism occurs. This is because the light entering from the cornea cannot focus on one point on the retina, causing blurred vision.
In addition to the deformities that are usually present from birth, the following conditions can cause astigmatism:
- Infections that result in scarring of the cornea.
- Eye surgery that causes changes to the cornea.
- Corneal swelling, thinning, or changes.
- Conditions that affect the eyelids that cause corneal irritation.
Treatments That Can Be Done
The following methods can be used to improve impaired vision due to astigmatism.
- Wearing glasses
Glasses for this condition use specially designed lenses. Glasses are the easiest way to correct blurred or shadowy vision caused by astigmatism.
- Using contact lenses
The principle of contact lenses is actually the same as glasses. The right choice between glasses or contact lenses depends on the patient’s taste. To avoid making the wrong choice, be sure to consult an eye doctor.
- LASIK Surgery
Through the LASIK procedure, the shape of the cornea is changed with a laser. Initially, the surface layer of the cornea is opened (flap) using a special tool called a keratom. Next, a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea layer below the layer that was opened earlier. The flap is then closed again.
- LASEK Surgery
This procedure is almost the same as LASIK, but the flap is made thinner, only as thick as the epithelial layer.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Through this PRK procedure, the epithelial layer is removed without creating a flap. After LASIK and LASEK surgery were discovered, this procedure is rarely used.
If you have astigmatism and want to correct it, consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment for your condition.
