Some people see the world a little differently than most. Sometimes the reason for this is astigmatism. What is the reason for this “special vision of the world”? The fact is that the cornea in people with such a diagnosis is asymmetrical. Normally, this transparent shell helps the rays focus on the retina. In patients with astigmatism, due to the irregular shape of the cornea, it is not possible to see a clear image.
What triggers the onset of a condition such as astigmatism? The reasons are heterogeneous. There is a congenital disease, it happens, it occurs after an eye injury (scratches or bumps) or an infection. Sometimes the fact is that a person has too heavy eyelids. With a weak degree of astigmatism, simple blinking helps, so vision does not deteriorate and measures are not necessary. In more serious cases, vision correction is necessary.
How is astigmatism diagnosed? Symptoms may be ambiguous, for example, blurred vision, therefore, specific tests are used for diagnosis.
Firstly, using a regular table for determining visual acuity, although, of course, this method will not allow you to make a specific diagnosis.
Secondly, the refraction of light is evaluated. The doctor can use both just corrective lenses and a special machine. The doctor looks at the same time whether the light is refracted correctly when it is directed to the eye. He uses a special device - a retinoscope. Then the doctor suggests looking at the table for diagnosing vision using special lenses. If these lenses help, then the condition is defined as astigmatism. Treatment is possible if the severity of the manifestations of the pathology is correctly determined.
Thirdly, keratometry is used. The machine measures the curvature of the cornea. The normal cornea, as a rule, has symmetrical and average curvature. An astigmatic person has an unusual shape , which the machine sees. In addition to diagnosing this disease, keratometry is used to select contact lenses after surgery on the eye.
Fourth, a corneal topography method has recently appeared. This is technologically the most advanced way. At the same time, the patient looks at a specific point given to him, and the machine makes thousands of subtle measurements. A three-dimensional image of the eye appears on the doctor’s computer, where all the slightest deviations are visible. Typically, this method is used if surgery is necessary, and sometimes to select contact lenses for people with unusual eye shapes.
If you or someone close has astigmatism, treatment is possible in more than one way. In fact, there are usually three main methods. Firstly, these are good old glasses. Secondly, some contact lenses are suitable. Well, in difficult cases, you can not do without surgical intervention. Although the operation is sometimes carried out with a small degree of astigmatism.
Glasses are suitable for almost everyone, but the problem is that vision improves only when the patient is looking directly. But if the rays come from the side, then the image turns out to be distorted: the patient in the room has the impression that the walls are slightly tilted. This is not a pleasant feeling. However, over time, many get used to and do not notice anymore, the process usually takes about a week. Some doctors generally prefer not to treat mild astigmatism, since they do not bother patients much.
And if there is moderate astigmatism? Treatment is also carried out using contact lenses, but only in a special form. Conventional lenses rotate when you blink. But these lenses are designed so that they return to their original position. Therefore, they can compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea - without the effect of curving walls. However, this option is not suitable for allergy sufferers and people whose eyes are unusually sensitive.
Strong astigmatism? Surgical treatment will solve the problem. Usually this operation is performed using a laser. The doctor changes the shape of the cornea, but this is a jewelry job, very delicate, so only a very sensible doctor can entrust his eyes.
In any case, treatment will help compensate for any degree and type of astigmatism. Turn to good optometrists!