Subtitle Forum: Is Astigmatism Very Common?
Astigmatism is an eye condition that affects the curvature of the cornea, resulting in blurred vision. It is a common eye condition, affecting up to one in three people. It can occur at any age and tends to be hereditary, but it is usually diagnosed in childhood. Astigmatism is not a disease, but it can cause vision problems.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error, which means that the shape of the eye is not perfect. This causes light to be focused incorrectly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism is usually caused by an unevenly curved cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It can also be caused by an irregularly shaped lens inside the eye.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
The most common symptoms of astigmatism are blurred or distorted vision, difficulty seeing at night, headaches and eye strain. People with astigmatism may also experience halos around lights.
Diagnosis of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is usually detected during a routine eye exam. Your optometrist will examine your eyes and use a special instrument to measure the curvature of the cornea. If astigmatism is detected, your optometrist will recommend corrective lenses such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Treatment for Astigmatism
The most common treatment for astigmatism is corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. These lenses help to correct the refractive error and improve vision. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the shape of the cornea.
In conclusion, astigmatism is a common eye condition that can cause vision problems. It is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam and can be treated with corrective lenses or surgery.