Is astigmatism treatable?

Astigmatism is usually treated with corrective glasses or contact lenses. Like other refractive errors, this condition is very common and easy to diagnose and treat.

If you have untreated astigmatism, you will struggle with blurred vision and may also suffer from headaches, eye strain, squinting to see clearly and general discomfort.

The exact cause of astigmatism is not known, so there is no specific approach to preventing this defect. It has long been considered treatable, like other refractive defects.

Signs and symptoms

• blurred or distorted vision at a distance or at close range,
• headaches,
• squinting your eyes to see more clearly,
• eye fatigue, especially when the eye has to focus for a long time,
• difficulty seeing or driving at night.

Early detection and treatment of astigmatism is important.

The ophthalmologist may use the following techniques during an eye examination:

Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test checks how well a person can read letters or signs from a distance. It usually involves reading a line of letters on a chart. The letters become progressively smaller on each line.

Keratometry: A keratometer is a device that measures the light reflected from the surface of the cornea. This provides the ophthalmologist with information about the shape and curvature of the cornea.

Corneal topography: Corneal topography is a type of imaging technology that allows corneal measurements with images. It gives a much more detailed assessment than keratometry.

Refraction: Refraction assesses how the eyes focus light and involves placing a number of lenses in front of the eyes. The ophthalmologist will ask which lenses improve vision.

Lenses or glasses to correct astigmatism:

Corrective lenses or spectacles can help to see images correctly within the retina.

Correction and treatment methods

Astigmatism is a common visual defect that results from an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye, causing images to become blurred or distorted at all distances. The defect affects both children and adults. The answer to the question of whether astigmatism is treatable depends on what we mean by „treatable”.

Astigmatism correction

Astygmatyzm zazwyczaj jest traktowany jako stan, który można skorygować, ale nie "wyleczyć" w tradycyjnym znaczeniu. Najczęstsze metody korekcji to:

• Glasses: Special cylindrical lenses in spectacles can compensate for uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, which improves the quality of vision.
• Contact lens fitting: Special contact lenses, both soft and rigid, are available to correct astigmatism for sharper vision.

Surgical treatment

For those seeking long-term solutions, there are several surgical options that can permanently reshape the cornea:

• LASIK: Najbardziej znana forma korekcji wzroku za pomocą lasera, która polega na przekształceniu kształtu rogówki, aby poprawić sposób skupiania światła przez oko.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): An older method than LASIK, it also changes the shape of the cornea, but differs in the execution technique and length of recovery.
• Corneal implants: Small devices that can be implanted into the cornea to change its shape and improve visual acuity.

3. natural methods and management

Although there is no scientific evidence that natural methods can "cure" astigmatism, proper diet and eye care can help maintain eye health. Regular eye examinations are also key to monitor the condition of the eyes and adjust correction methods if necessary.

Astigmatism lenses stand out:

• spherical power to correct myopia- lub dalekowzroczność,
• power of the cylindrical lens to correct astigmatism,
• axis marking, which describes the position of the astigmatism,
• Jeśli dana osoba ma starczowzroczność, jej soczewki będą wymagały dodatkowej mocy, aby pomóc poprzez leczenie.

Choosing the right contact lenses for astigmatism requires consideration of several key factors to ensure comfort, correct fit and optimum quality of vision. Here are the most important aspects to look out for when choosing lenses to correct astigmatism:

1. lens type

Astigmatism often requires the use of special toric lenses (toric lenses), which have different optical powers in the different lens meridians. They are designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye.

• Soft toric lenses are popular for their comfort and are suitable for most people with astigmatism.
• Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) can offer even better visual acuity as they maintain a consistent shape on the eye, which can be beneficial for those with irregular astigmatism.

2. Lens fitting

Lens selection must be accurate to ensure optimal vision and comfort. Toric lenses have special mechanisms that prevent them from rotating on the eye. It is important that the lenses are well fitted by a specialist who will take into account:

• Curvature of the cornea: It is essential to measure the curvature of the cornea accurately so that the lens fits well and provides adequate correction.
• Lens stability: The lens should sit firmly on the eye, even during blinking and eye movements, which is crucial for the continuity of sharp vision.

3. lens material

• Hygiene and comfort: The choice of material affects oxygen permeability, which is important for eye health. Silicone hydrogel materials are popular because they provide high oxygen permeability and are comfortable to wear.
• Moisturising properties: Some lenses have built-in moisturisers or special coatings to help retain moisture, which is important for those experiencing dry eyes.

4 Wear time

• Daily disposable lenses: These are lenses that are worn for one day and discarded after use. They are comfortable and hygienic, ideal for people with sensitive eyes or for those who have trouble cleaning their lenses regularly.
• Reusable lenses: They can be used for long periods of time, but require daily cleaning and the use of suitable disinfection solutions.

5 Frequency of replacement

• Lens replacement plan: Different types of lenses require different replacement schedules - from daily to monthly and even quarterly. It is important to follow your eye care professional's recommendations for replacement frequency to ensure eye health and avoid infection.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses are often effective treatments for astigmatism. Surgery is also an option for eligible individuals.

Many patients with astigmatism may not realise they have it until they attend an eye test. For this reason, it is important to undergo regular eye examinations to identify and treat any problems.