Glasses can correct blurred vision caused by astigmatism
BY DR. KOMOROFF Universal Uclick
Monday, December 31, 2012
12/31/12 at 4:20 AM
Dear Doctor K: I wear corrective glasses for astigmatism, but I don't really understand what astigmatism is.
Dear Reader: Astigmatism means that the cornea of the eye has an irregular shape. The cornea is the clear covering over the lens and the iris. The iris controls how much light enters the eye. The lens focuses the light on the retina, the light-sensitive area at the rear of the eye. The cornea protects these structures and helps to transmit light through the eye.
The cornea is normally round, but in people with astigmatism, it may be an oval. As a result, light scatters as it passes through the cornea; the light rays do not focus on a single point on the retina.
The result of uncorrected astigmatism is blurred vision. Some people describe the blurred vision as double vision but in only one eye. Astigmatism can lead to eyestrain, squinting and headaches from working to focus on near or distant objects.
People are born with astigmatism, but it may not be apparent until a child begins to attend school or learns to read. Astigmatism is a lifelong condition unless it is treated. It may worsen slowly over time, but more typically it remains stable throughout life.
It is possible to correct astigmatism using glasses, certain types of contact lenses or surgery. Glasses are a good, reliable choice.
Patients who prefer contact lenses may find that they are limited to hard lenses. Soft lenses sometimes can be used, but they aren't as effective for severe cases of astigmatism.
Surgery may be a choice, especially for people who have dry eyes or other conditions that prohibit them from wearing corrective lenses. The most common is LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis). A small incision is made on the surface of the eye to create a small flap of tissue, which then is lifted up. A cool laser beam corrects the irregular curvature of astigmatism. The flap is replaced, and recovery is usually painless.
Write Dr. K at www.AskDoctorK.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106
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