| Astigmatism |
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Severe astigmatism is often genetically inherited or results from injury or from conditions such as keratoconus. |
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Overview
Astigmatism (ah-stig-mah-tizm) is a common refractive vision condition that affects millions of people. It occurs most often when the cornea becomes oval shaped instead of spherical. The unequal curvature of the cornea scatters light entering the eye into two primary directions, called meridians, and prevents the light from focusing on the retina. As a result, vision might be blurred or distorted at all distances and those affected might see objects that appear tilted, stretched or condensed.
Most people have a minor degree of astigmatism that usually does not require treatment. Severe astigmatism is often genetically inherited or results from injury or from conditions such as keratoconus. Astigmatism can also be associated with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
Symptoms
People with severe astigmatism will characteristically experience blurred or distorted vision, while those with mild astigmatism might experience headaches, eye strain from squinting, fatigue, or blurred vision at certain distances.
Treatment
A comprehensive eye examination will include testing to determine if astigmatism is present. Frequent eye examinations are therefore extremely important, especially for children. Corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses can correct the condition. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses help mask the astigmatism by mimicking the spherical surface of a regular cornea. Newly designed soft contact lenses, called toric contacts, help to compensate for the irregularly shaped cornea by correcting the power in each meridian. Laser surgery such as LASIK or PRK are also options for the correction of astigmatism. Your eyecare provider will suggest the options that are best suited for your condition and visual needs.
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