Have you ever come across the terms astigmatism and astigmatism, but were confused because they seem to be interchangeable? Well, astigmatism and astigmatism are both common eye conditions that affect the quality of your vision. It’s a problem.according to study, astigmatism accounts for approximately 13% of refractive errors in the eye. Both eye conditions affect the curvature of the cornea or lens, but there are also some differences. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the meaning of stigmatism and astigmatism, their differences, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods. read!
understand prejudice
Are you wondering what astigmatism is? What does stigmatism mean? Well, astigmatism in the ocular sense refers to an eye condition caused by distortion of the shape of the crystalline lens, cornea, and even the entire eyeball. This eye problem can lead to blurred vision and, in severe cases, blindness, and has a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
How common is astigmatism? As we all know, astigmatism is widespread. One in three people suffer from this eye problem. People with this condition experience pain and discomfort when performing everyday tasks such as using a computer, cell phone, or watching television. If ignored, stigmatism can lead to irreversible visual impairment. This means that you cannot regain your original or near-normal vision.
Also read: How does the eye work?
cause
The main factors contributing to stigmatism may include the shape of the cornea, lens, or entire eye, genetic factors, and some medical diseases and conditions. A history of stigmatism within the family may also be a reason. People with parents who suffer from severe stigmatization may be more likely to develop this type of eye disease. Additionally, in some patients, previous eye surgery or eye injury can cause corneal abnormalities, which can also be a source of stigmatism.
Also read: Who should not undergo laser eye surgery?
symptoms
People who suffer from emmetropia may experience certain discomfort. Symptoms of stigmatism can range from unpleasant to severe, depending on the person. The most common signs are:
-
blurred vision
-
eye strain
-
headache
-
dizzy
-
double vision
-
Problems that are clearly visible at different distances.
-
It becomes difficult to read small print or focus on objects near or far.
diagnosis
To diagnose stigmatism, an ophthalmologist or optometrist performs a comprehensive eye exam on a patient. The test may include the following activities in which the professional tests the patient’s vision by having them read the letters on an eye chart. There is also a keratometry test that helps determine the actual measurement of the corneal curvature. The results of these tests allow your eye doctor to quickly identify the presence and severity of this eye condition and provide appropriate treatment.
understanding astigmatism
What does astigmatism mean? Astigmatism is an eye disease, usually a refractive error in the eye, that affects how light passes through the eye and focuses on a part of the retina. With astigmatism, the lens or cornea, or both, have an irregularly curved shape that causes light to focus on different points on the retina. As a result, the eye’s vision becomes distorted or blurred at both near and far distances. People with astigmatism see things differently than people with normal vision. Comparing astigmatic light to normal vision, astigmatic light appears blurry, striped, or haloed because the light is scattered instead of being focused directly on the retina. Vision in a normal eye, on the other hand, is sharp and clear because the lens and cornea focus the light rays directly onto a single point on the retina.
cause
Many factors can cause astigmatism, including eye injury, genetics, and eye surgery. This eye disease can be caused by refractive errors such as farsightedness (farsightedness) and nearsightedness (myopia). In some cases, people may have had astigmatism from birth, or it may develop later in life due to certain factors such as changes in the shape of the cornea, eye damage, or genetics. There is no evidence why some people are born with unevenly curved corneas. A family history of astigmatism may be the cause.Street the studyPremature babies are at a higher risk of developing astigmatism than full-term babies.
symptoms
Want to know what astigmatism looks like? If you have astigmatism, your eyes may take on an oval or football shape. Symptoms of astigmatism usually occur at the same time as signs associated with astigmatism, such as blurred vision or discomfort. However, some of the most common signs of astigmatism include:
diagnosis
Diagnosis of astigmatism is made through the same eye exam used to detect symptoms of astigmatism. All of these eye exams include a visual acuity test, a corneal topography test, or a refraction test. These tests are helpful for patients suffering from astigmatism because they help determine the presence and severity of astigmatism. Refractive tests can help detect refractive errors, but keratometry test We use a keratometer, which effectively measures the curvature of the cornea.
Prejudice vs. Astigmatism: Key Differences
Although astigmatism and astigmatism have similarities in that they both affect vision, there are also unique differences between these eye conditions. When it comes to astigmatism, this eye condition affects the eye’s cornea or crystalline lens, which is curved unevenly in one direction. Astigmatism, on the other hand, affects the cornea and lens, causing them to curve unevenly in different directions.
This means that astigmatism can cause distortion or blurring of vision in only one direction, whereas astigmatism can cause distortion or blurring of vision in many directions. Also, the diagnosis and treatment of both types of eye diseases are slightly different. Diagnosis and treatment of astigmatism requires additional accurate measurements of the crystalline lens or cornea. The most common eye diseases also affect vision.
Also read: Astigmatism, contact lenses, and headaches
Treatment options for astigmatism and astigmatism
Both astigmatism and astigmatism are eye conditions that can be successfully managed using a variety of treatment options. Treatment focuses on correcting curvature irregularities and improving visual clarity. The choice of treatment option depends on the patient’s wishes and the severity of the symptoms. The treatments involved are:
glasses and contact lenses
Glasses and contact lenses are often used initially to treat astigmatism and astigmatism. Specially designed glasses and lenses can help prevent both eye conditions by changing the path of light that enters the eye’s retina. These glasses can usually correct astigmatism to her 20/20 vision.
In severe cases such as irregular astigmatism, normal vision may not be obtained. On the other hand, eyepieces such as toric lenses can soften the uneven curvature of the cornea and lens. It changes the direction of light entering the eye to ensure a clear, single focus on the retina.
laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery options such as LASIK and PRK are beneficial for those looking for a more effective permanent solution. These procedures permanently reshape the cornea with the help of lasers to improve eye abnormalities such as astigmatism and astigmatism.
LASIK uses a high-precision laser to improve corneal symmetry and provide permanent correction in cases of mild astigmatism. Additionally, during PRK surgery, the outer covering (epithelium) of the cornea is removed before the inner cornea is reshaped with a laser. The epithelium will regrow after surgery. PRK is the most promising alternative to LASIK for people with thin corneas or dry eyes.
Also read: What is the relationship between UV rays and myopia?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical procedure that uses hard contact lenses to temporarily reshape the irregular curvature of the cornea. It is the best alternative to surgery. Patients are asked to wear fixed contact lenses for a period of time. Most eye doctors recommend wearing lenses at night and removing them during the day.
People undergoing orthokeratology treatment can have clear daytime vision without the need for corrective lenses. This treatment is only effective if the patient wears lenses. Once you remove them, your vision will return to its previous range.
Also Read: 5 Most Common Eye Problems Explained
prevention and care
Although it may not be possible to prevent astigmatism or astigmatism caused by genetics, here are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing these eye conditions and promote eye health. To do.
-
Wear safety glasses during activities that may increase the risk to your eyes, such as strenuous sports or dangerous work.
-
Get regular eye exams to identify and address unexpected changes in your vision.
-
Try to minimize digital eye strain by using the 20-20-20 rule. Try to look straight at an object 6 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
-
Maintain a nutritious diet containing minerals and vitamins that promote eye health.
-
Stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 9 glasses of water.
-
Avoid smoking as the smoke content is likely to cause visual impairment.
Also read: Which foods are good for your eyes?
summary
A clear understanding of astigmatism and astigmatism is essential to making the right decisions regarding your vision health. If left untreated, bilateral eye disease can have a significant impact on quality of life. However, with effective treatment options and preventive and care measures, you can maintain accurate and comfortable vision. Regular appointments with a licensed eye doctor, a commitment to advised treatment, and proactive actions to support your eye health will enable you to fully explore the world with clarity and confidence. .
Also Read: Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Water – How Much Water Should You Drink in a Day?
