Recently, various ophthalmological problems have become widespread in children. Among them, astigmatism can be distinguished. What is it really? In fact, it cannot be called a disease, it is, rather, a refractive defect of the lens (cornea), which has an irregular shape. Because of this, the rays of light are not focused, which means that the image is fuzzy. During the formation of the child's body, the disease can manifest itself at any stage. There is astigmatism in both eyes, and one.
A properly formed cornea is spherical in shape, it allows the rays of light to focus clearly and transmit an excellent image to the retina. When the cornea has the shape of a melon, the rays of
light are refracted differently, which creates an incorrect vision of the surrounding objects.
The diagnosis of astigmatism. How is the disease manifested?
Most often, genetically embedded astigmatism occurs. Eye injuries or surgical interventions can cause its acquired form. Parents can independently pay attention to the fact that the child's vision has fallen: he leans toward the subject to examine it, often squints. In a small person, irritability and increased fatigue against this background are possible.
How to treat?
It’s more correct not to treat, but to correct astigmatism. What is this “correct”? It all depends on the existing complications. Low astigmatism (up to 0.5 D) without myopia and hyperopia is usually not corrected. If the degree of astigmatism is higher, it is recommended to use glasses with special lenses.
The essence of the treatment is that the doctor, on the basis of the examination, selects the cylindrical component with the correct position along the axis. This will change the refraction of the rays, and the child will see clearly.
Surgical correction is possible only after the final formation of the body, that is, not earlier than the person turns 20 years old.
With astigmatism from birth, the child usually does not even realize that he sees incorrectly. He has nothing to compare his feelings with. Most likely, he does not suspect about such an ailment as astigmatism. What it is, and how it is treated, sometimes the parents themselves do not know. But a qualified specialist will definitely determine the disease and suggest ways to solve the problem.
If you approach the issue of astigmatism correction reasonably, then over time you can forget about glasses. True, with a high degree, laser correction of a corneal defect cannot be dispensed with.
It is very important to start treatment on time. Since amblyopia, usually accompanying astigmatism, can develop with a decrease in visual acuity.
What it is? This is a lazy eye syndrome, more precisely, a decrease in the functioning of the cells of the cerebral cortex. At school lessons, the baby can face serious problems.
In home treatment, the use of special devices and programs is possible. The so-called healing glasses with holes are not a panacea for restoring visual acuity. Of course, they increase the depth of optical focus. But their beneficial effect in astigmatism has not been scientifically proven.
Preparations containing blueberries, various dietary supplements, are multivitamin complexes, and not drugs. Ophthalmologists traditionally prescribe vitamin therapy, do not count on its miraculous effect.
Due to their age, children do not realize that they have any vision problems. Therefore, you should visit a doctor regularly, even if there are no complaints. This will eliminate or start treating the disease on time.