Astigmatism Symptoms

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that is the result of a improper curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye. Astigmatism belongs to a group of eye problems that are termed as refractive errors. The result of this defect is blurred vision. However, this problem is minor in most cases and can be treated by using corrective glasses.

Causes

For those who want to understand what is astigmatism properly, knowing its cause would be of great help. It is caused due to a structural defect in the eye, specifically in the cornea. Normally the cornea is equally curved in all directions. This allows it to focus light rays entering the eyes equally in all planes or in all directions. But in certain cases, the curvature of the front surface of the cornea may not be uniform. The cornea may be curved more in one direction than in another. In such a case, light rays are focused in different directions inside the eye. Due to this, a person with astigmatism feels that the object is distorted. It is the same feeling that we have when we look into a wavy mirror. This refractive error allows the eye to focus only a small part of light rays being reflected by the eye, the rest are all scattered. This results in blurred vision at all distances.

A normal cornea is spherical in shape but people with astigmatism have an oval cornea. This is known as corneal astigmatism. However, some people with spherical cornea also suffer from astigmatism. In such a case, it is a defect with the eye lens that causes the problem. It is called lenticular astigmatism. Such defects can be caused due to injury, infections or certain types of eye surgeries. Alternatively, it can also be a congenital defect. In such a case, the condition in children becomes just as common as in adults.

Symptoms

As it has become clear by now that blurred vision is the most common symptom of astigmatism. One also sees distorted images of objects that he is viewing. Other than these problems in the eye, symptoms like headaches and eye strain are also felt by many. This is the result if astigmatism is left untreated for long. Some even exhibit irritation and squinting of the eyes and may have other forms of eye discomfort. In case of severe astigmatism, keratoconus (a degenerative disease of the eye) can be suspected. Astigmatism symptoms in children are the same as in adults. However, this condition becomes most evident when they complain of having difficulty in focusing while trying to read something. They are often seen tilting their heads trying to see an object. The symptoms discussed here are not exclusively caused due to astigmatism. They may be due to other eye conditions as well.

Treatment

Prescribing corrective lenses is the most common treatment. One can use these lenses in the form of eye glasses or contact lenses for astigmatism. However, corrective lenses are not required if a person has minor astigmatism and does not suffer from any other form of refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Corrective lenses for astigmatism are called toric lenses that have greater light bending properties. The correct lens for vision correction for astigmatism is decided after the eye doctor has performed a couple of diagnostic tests on the patient.

The other option to treat astigmatism is refractive surgery. The curvature of the cornea is corrected with the help of laser eye surgery. However in order to perform the surgery, the eye doctor has to make sure that the patient does not have any problem in the retina, scar on the corneal surface or any other eye problem.

Astigmatism is a fairly common problem of the eye. Many times it goes undetected, even by the person who has an irregularly curved cornea or lens. However, it is only when one complains of astigmatism symptoms like blurred vision or tired eyes that one needs measures to correct the defect.