Astigmatism and Your Eyes
Many opticians and optometrists get asked daily what astigmatism is. The answer is that it’s a common condition that affects many people at various levels, which manifests itself through the appearance of blurred vision. Astigmatism is caused by an unusually-shaped cornea; typically, the cornea is supposed to be a symmetrical sphere shape – astigmatism diverges from this shape and, thus, the afflicted person suffers from blurry vision at every distance.
While it’s rare for the cornea to form a perfect circle of symmetry during its development and most people are affected by astigmatism, it is frequently the case that the condition is so light that the eyes still have an easy time adjusting to light and distance focus. However, for many others, the condition affects their vision too much, making it very difficult to see with enough clarity to distinctly focus on objects. What’s more, it’s also common for people with astigmatism to be affected by other visual problems, such as short or long-sightedness. Around two thirds of people with short-sightedness also have significant cases of astigmatism.
Thankfully, the treatment for astigmatism is fairly basic. Glasses or contact lenses can be crafted to suit the individual’s needs and go a long way to correct the patient’s visual problems. However, these can be considered something of an inconvenient solution and, as technology in opthalmics and optometrics advances, new solutions appear. One such permanent solution is a surgery called laser eye surgery – or refractive surgery – which reshapes the cornea in order to make it more symmetrical and more effective at focussing on objects at varying distances and lights. This treatment uses lasers to reshape the appropriate areas of the eye in order to correct any discrepancies in its shape and offers a permanent solution to the problem.
Astigmatism is a condition that starts while the shape of the eye is being developed in the womb. It can be a debilitating problem for many people, which is why the arrival of surgical solutions has been so celebrated in the industry. Procedures like laser eye treatment have been shown to be life-changing for many people affected with astigmatism, from world-famous sportspeople to construction workers, scientists, older people and parents who simply want to be able to play with their children. If you are interested in laser eye surgery and what it can do for you, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with a clinic in order to discuss its benefits and what to expect from the procedure.
