Understanding Astigmatism: Signs and Symptoms
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a refractive error that causes blurred vision at both near and far distances. This condition affects the shape of the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, leading to difficulty seeing fine details and blurry vision. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of astigmatism and how an optometrist can help you manage this condition.
Signs of Astigmatism
One of the most common signs of astigmatism is blurred vision. If you notice that nearby objects appear distorted or you have difficulties focusing on both near and far objects, it may be a sign of astigmatism. Another common symptom is eye strain or discomfort, especially after reading or doing close work for an extended period. You may also notice that you need to squint to see things clearly, have headaches or feel fatigued after prolonged visual tasks.
More Symptoms
Astigmatism can also cause distorted or "crooked" vision, where straight lines appear wavy or bent. You may experience glare or halos around lights or have difficulty driving at night. Some people may have ongoing eye discomfort or sensitivity to light. In children, uncorrected astigmatism can also lead to amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," which can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
How Optometrists Can Help
If you suspect you have astigmatism, you should schedule an appointment with an optometrist. They will perform a comprehensive eye exam, including a visual acuity test, refraction test, and corneal topography, to determine the extent of your astigmatism. Depending on the severity of your astigmatism, your optometrist may prescribe corrective lenses or contact lenses to improve your vision. They may also recommend refractive surgery, such as LASIK, to correct your astigmatism.
Preventing Astigmatism
While some people are born with astigmatism, others may develop it later in life due to eye injury, surgery, or keratoconus. To prevent astigmatism, you should take care of your eyes by maintaining good eye hygiene and protecting them from injury. Follow a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking, which can all contribute to maintaining good eye health. Also, follow a regular eye exam schedule, and if you have a family history of eye problems, be sure to let your optometrist know.
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this post, seek professional help from an optometrist. With the correct diagnosis, your optometrist can help manage your astigmatism and improve your vision to lead a more enjoyable and fulfilling life. Remember that prevention is always better than cure, so be proactive about maintaining good eye health and schedule your regular eye exams to keep your eyes in top shape.
Contact an optometrist to learn more.