Astigmatism is one of the most common visual conditions and refers to the abnormal curvature of the cornea, which causes blurred or distorted vision, sensitivity to light, dizziness, red eyes, among others. Its cause may be due to genetics or some surgical intervention, such as cataract surgery. It also occurs along with other visual ailments such as hyperopia or myopia. At FastlyHealwe explain what astigmatism is, its types and treatment .
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What is Astigmatism?
It is a condition that prevents objects from being seen clearly, either from near or far. This happens when the cornea does not have a regular curvature in all its areas, therefore the light that comes from objects and passes through it does not focus entirely on the retina but on a part of it, causing blurred and distorted vision. .
Depending on the type of astigmatism the patient has and their age, the symptoms of astigmatism can vary, the most common being to lose some details at any distance. If the condition is related to hyperopia then visual fatigue, red eyes and headaches may appear , due to the effort made to focus the images. In the same way, if astigmatism worsens, it can be a sign of keratoconus , a disease in which the cornea changes from its round to conical shape and in which the cure is a corneal transplant.
Types of astigmatism
There are two types of astigmatism:
- Regular astigmatism : it is the most common and in turn is divided into simple and compound. Simple means that only one axis is out of focus and can be in front of or behind the cornea. Compound astigmatism is associated with other conditions such as hyperopia or myopia.
- Irregular Astigmatism : It is usually caused by an injury or burn and is the most difficult to treat.
This condition can be diagnosed through a standard ophthalmic test or a refractive exam, where the ophthalmologist will use a Snellen chart and ask you to read the letters that appear randomly. In case you need glasses, the doctor will place different graduations of lenses and you will have to read again, indicating with which prescription you see better.
Treatment for astigmatism
Astigmatism is a reversible condition in almost all cases, however there is no way to prevent it from appearing. The treatment for astigmatism generally, if it is mild or intermediate, glasses or contact lenses will be used, in order to improve vision and avoid major problems over time.
Refractive surgery is the option to cure astigmatism , by means of a laser the curvature of the cornea will be corrected and it is usually a simple and quick intervention in which local anesthesia is used. From here you will no longer have to wear glasses. Remember that the ophthalmologist is the one who should recommend the most appropriate treatment option that suits your condition.
In the case of children, it is advisable to take them to the ophthalmologist when they learn the alphabet and from here every two years to take early measures against any problem. Adults between the ages of 20 and 40 should have an eye exam every 5 to 10 years. After the age of 40, the risk of suffering from a condition increases, so it is advisable to visit your doctor every 2 years.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.