Astigmatism (cont.)
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism can be hereditary and is often present at birth. It can also
result from pressure from the eyelids on the cornea, incorrect posture or an
increased use of the eyes for close work.
What Are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?
People with undetected astigmatism often experience headaches, fatigue,
eyestrain and blurred vision at all distances. While these symptoms may not
necessarily be the result of astigmatism, you should schedule an eye exam if you
are experiencing one or more symptoms.
How Are Astigmatisms Diagnosed?
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose astigmatism by a thorough
eye exam. Astigmatism may occur with other refractive errors such as myopia
(nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Unfortunately, astigmatism
often goes undetected in school-age children.
Because astigmatisms may increase slowly, you should visit your optometrist
or ophthalmologist for an eye exam once each year. Optometrists are trained
specifically to determine and improve visual acuity with the prescription of
eyeglasses or contact lenses. Ophthalmologists can provide total eye care, from
examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of disease
through medication and surgery.
How Are Astigmatisms Treated?
Almost all degrees of astigmatism can be corrected with properly
prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses. For a person with only a slight degree
of astigmatism, corrective lenses may not be needed at all, as long as other
conditions such as nearsightedness or farsightedness are not present. If the
astigmatism is moderate to high, however, corrective lenses are probably needed.
- Corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses). For
astigmatism, special corrective lenses called toric lenses are prescribed.
Toric lenses have greater light bending power in one direction than the
other. After performing various tests, your eye doctor will determine the
ideal toric lens prescription for your astigmatism.
- Refractive surgery.
Another method for correcting astigmatism is by changing the shape of the
cornea through refractive or laser eye surgery. While there is more than one
type of refractive surgery, specific treatments are recommended on an
individual basis.
Refractive surgeries require healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal
scars and any eye disease. As technology progresses, it is becoming
more and more important that you explore all options and possibilities before deciding which refractive surgery and
treatment is right for you.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.
Edited by Cynthia
Haines, MD, WebMD, October 2005.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004.
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 5:58:30 AM
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