It is a frequently encountered condition among eye disorders. Astigmatism, which can occur at any age, has a negative impact on daily life.
The rays of light reaching our eyes from objects are first refracted by the cornea — the foremost transparent layer of the eye. They are then refracted a second time by the eye’s lens and focused on the retina, the inner layer of the eye.
What allows the rays to be refracted is the smooth, even, curved structure of the cornea and the eye’s lens.
Irregularities in the curved structure of the cornea and the lens cause light to be refracted unevenly. This in turn results in the rays not being focused clearly on the retinal layer. The result is unclear near and distance vision. In astigmatism, the shapes of objects appear scattered and their edges elongated.
Astigmatism is usually a congenital, hereditary condition. Various eye infections, trauma and eye diseases resulting in corneal thinning (such as keratoconus) are also among the causes.
Symptoms of astigmatism:
- Difficulty with distance and near vision
- Pain around the eyes and in the head
- Eye fatigue and loss of concentration.
There are various treatments for the astigmatic refractive error identified in patients through eye examination and tests such as corneal topography.
The most commonly used method is correction with cylindrical-type spectacle lenses. If the patient has additional refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia), they are corrected with the same spectacle lens.
Contact lenses are another option. Contact lenses can provide full and clear vision.
Surgical methods are also successfully applied in the treatment of astigmatism. This method provides a permanent correction. The surgical method most often used is LASIK. This method has been applied successfully in suitable patients for a long time. The results are highly satisfactory.
Prepared by the Editorial Board of the Eye Foundation Hospitals.
