Astigmatism is a common vision problem that affects the way the eyes focus light. It is estimated that between 25 and 30 percent of people have some degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the shape of the eye, causing distorted vision. It is caused when the front surface of the eye, the cornea, is curved more in one direction than the other. This causes light to be focused in multiple points instead of one, resulting in blurred vision. Astigmatism can affect both near and far vision.
Who is Affected by Astigmatism?
Astigmatism can affect people of all ages. It is most common in children, with an estimated 30 percent of children having some degree of astigmatism. The prevalence of astigmatism increases with age, with an estimated 25 percent of adults having some degree of astigmatism.
What are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision at both near and far distances. Other symptoms of astigmatism can include eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty seeing at night.
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Astigmatism is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam. During the exam, your doctor will use a device called a keratometer to measure the curvature of the cornea. Your doctor may also use a refraction test to measure how your eyes focus light.
How is Astigmatism Treated?
Astigmatism can be treated with corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, refractive surgery may be an option.
Conclusion
Astigmatism is a common vision problem that affects between 25 and 30 percent of the population. It is most common in children, but can affect people of all ages. The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision at both near and far distances. Astigmatism can be treated with corrective lenses or refractive surgery.
