Astigmatism is a condition of the eye where the cornea is not evenly curved. When this happens, the eye can't focus light evenly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Astigmatism can be present at birth, or it can develop over time. While it can't be cured, there are several steps you can take to help prevent it from getting worse.
Preventative Steps
Wear protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, when outside in bright light. This can help reduce the amount of UV light that reaches your eyes, which can cause astigmatism to worsen.
See your eye doctor regularly: Regular eye exams can help catch astigmatism early and help prevent it from getting worse.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help improve your overall eye health. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce your risk of developing astigmatism.
Avoid straining your eyes: Staring at a computer or TV screen for too long can strain your eyes and cause astigmatism to worsen. Take frequent breaks and follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.
Treatments
Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are the most common way to treat astigmatism. They help to focus light on the retina and can help improve your vision.
Contact lenses: Contact lenses can also help correct astigmatism. They can be used in place of eyeglasses, or in addition to them.
Refractive surgery: Refractive surgery is a procedure to reshape the cornea and reduce astigmatism. It is not recommended for everyone, and it is important to talk to your doctor before deciding if this is an option for you.
Conclusion
Astigmatism can't be cured, but there are several steps you can take to help prevent it from getting worse. Wearing protective eyewear, seeing your eye doctor regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding straining your eyes can all help. If your astigmatism is severe, there are also treatments available, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery.