What is it?

Astigmatism happens when the front part of the eye, known as cornea, is not a uniform harmonious circular shape. Alternatively, its shape is quite similar to that of the back of a spoon - longer in one way than another. Due to the fact that the cornea is an lumpy form, the eye cannot focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is fuzzy at all distances.

What causes it?

During prenatal eye development, assorted factors influence the configuration of it, including familial genetic factors and environment. It turns out that these elements can result in an lumpy curve of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.

Who’s affected?

Actually most of us have an astigmatism - but generally it is very mild

Astigmatism is not unusual and is normally present from birth. Most people have a unimportant astigmatism - it is infrequent for the cornea to have formed in a perfectly symmetrical fashion. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.

In many cases of astigmatism the person also has accompanied optical problems like short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Two-thirds of people with short-sightedness also have significant astigmatism.

What are the symptoms?

In severe astigmatism, vision is obscure or distorted whether the individual is reading close up or looking further into the distance.

In milder cases the individual may complain their vision is smudged at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it’s a struggle to focus or read, or that they’ve headaches, especially when trying to focus.
How is it diagnosed?

Astigmatism should be diagnosed by a certified optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A full optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.

Tiny children, who mightn’t be able to answer the optometrist’s queries about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.

What’s the treatment?

In most cases, you can adequately deal with an astigmatism by using properly prescribed specs or contact lenses.

Milder astigmatism may not need treatment unless the person is doing a job that puts intensive demands on the eyes, for example, computer work.

There are instances when you will be able to surgically correct your astigmatism using a technique termed refractive surgery.

For some people another option is laser treatment. If you are considering this form of therapy, ensure that you speak to your surgeon about the good and bad points before you make your decision.