Astigmatism is a common vision problem that is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. It can cause blurred vision and can make it difficult to focus on objects at a distance or up close. While there is no known cure for astigmatism, there are a few treatments that can help reduce the symptoms and improve vision.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is caused when the cornea or lens of the eye is not shaped properly. The normal shape of the cornea is curved like a dome, but in astigmatism it is shaped more like a football. This causes light entering the eye to be focused unevenly, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
Can Astigmatism Go Away?
In some cases, astigmatism can go away on its own as the eye develops and changes shape. This is more likely to happen in young children than in adults, as the eye continues to grow and develop until the age of 18.
In adults, astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Corrective lenses can help to refocus light properly on the retina, while refractive surgery can reshape the cornea to eliminate astigmatism.
What Other Treatments Are Available?
If corrective lenses or surgery are not an option, there are other treatments that can help reduce the symptoms of astigmatism. Orthokeratology, or corneal reshaping therapy, is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea and reduce astigmatism.
Eye exercises can help to improve vision by strengthening the eye muscles and improving eye coordination. Practicing good vision habits such as blinking often and looking away from the computer screen for a few minutes every hour can also help to reduce eyestrain and improve vision.
Conclusion
Astigmatism is a common vision problem that can be corrected with corrective lenses, refractive surgery, or other treatments. While there is no known cure for astigmatism, treatments can help to reduce the symptoms and improve vision.