Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a deflection error of the eye defined by a shape that varies slightly from a true sphere of the cornea. It occurs when one axis of the corneal slope is greater than the vertical axis. Astigmatism is the cause of poor vision in regard to comprehending small details and is often corrected with glasses, contact lenses, a cylindrical lens or refractive surgery.
It can be broken down into types including simple hyperopic astigmatism, simple myopic astigmatism, compound hyperopic astigmatism, compound myopic astigmatism and mixed astigmatism.
Almost everyone has some degree of astigmatism because it is very rare to come across a perfectly rounded cornea and is only apparent to those who have more than just a slight irregularity. This happens when either the cornea or the lens of the eye does not have a perfectly rounded shape and as a result, the eye has different focal points in different degrees.
The images a person sees will be distorted with conflicting images and will often see blurred images, headaches and even tiredness. Luckily for those who have it, corrective lenses in glasses or even contact lenses can provide clear vision.
For those who have a more pronounced irregularity in their eye, it will cause distorted vision with potential blurring from a number of angles depending on the kind of imperfection in the eye. When vision is impaired to any extent, vision correction is necessary mainly by using either eyeglasses or contact lenses.
A person who is born into a family that has astigmatism is genetically likely to inherit some degree of irregularities. It can also form as the result of an eye injury or from scar tissue.
Astigmatism can be seen in young children or can come about when a person reaches adulthood. One of the most common signs of a person who should have their eyes looked at for possible astigmatism is if he or she must squint their eyes in order to see something more clearly.
An eye doctor can properly diagnose and put the patient on the correct path to enjoying clearer vision with vision correction usually through eyeglasses or contact lenses. Doctors have also has success in improving vision in those with astigmatism through new technological advancements in surgery to eliminate or postpone the need for corrective lenses.
