Astigmatism - Eye/Lasik Care

Astigmatism Treatment Abroad

Overview

Astigmatism is one of the most common eye conditions that are easily corrected. The condition itself is caused by an eye that is not completely round but is shaped more like a football or sphere.

Refractive errors are those that cause an uneven bending of a light source, creating a blurred or unclear view of an object. Only one part of the object is in focus at a time, and often, distant objects are blurry or wavy in appearance.

Facts on Astigmatism

• Astigmatism is a common refractive error type.
• Astigmatism is caused by an abnormal curve of the lens or cornea.
• Astigmatism can be corrected by laser surgery.

 There are three primary types of astigmatism:

• Myopic astigmatism - In Myopic astigmatism either one or both principal eye meridians are nearsighted. In case both meridians are nearsighted, they tend to be myopic in differing degrees.
• Hyperopic astigmatism - In Hyperopic astigmatism either one or both principal eye meridians are farsighted. In case both are farsighted, they are greater chances of hyperopic in differing degrees.
• Mixed astigmatism - In Mixed astigmatism, one principal meridian is nearsighted, and the other is farsighted.

 Astigmatism can also be classified as:

• Regular astigmatism - In regular astigmatism, the principal meridians of the eyes are 90 degrees apart and are perpendicular in direction to each other. As a matter of fact, maximum cases of astigmatism are regular corneal astigmatism. This type of astigmatism gives the eye's front surface to be an oval shape.
• Irregular astigmatism - In irregular astigmatism, the principal eye meridians are not perpendicular in angle or direction. This kind of astigmatism can result due to an eye injury caused by scarring on the cornea. It may also occur due to any eye surgery or gradual thinning of the cornea known as keratoconus.

Diagnostic Tests for Astigmatism

Astigmatism is mostly detected during regular sessions of routine eye check-up for nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Eye doctors estimate the astigmatism level in a person during retinoscopy tests by shining a light into the eyes and manually introduce a series of lenses between the light and eyes.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a natural syndrome in people and most of them suffering from this are born with it. Astigmatism sometimes develops after an eye disease or injury or surgery. People often alert others not to read in low light or sit for long or too close in front of the TV, which is a myth and isn’t true.

What Are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Eyestrain
• Repeated headaches
• Eye irritation
• Excessive squinting
• Difficulty driving at night

 Benefits of Astigmatism Correction

Treatments or Processes that treat astigmatism are beneficial in that they:

• Improve the visual field
• Improved focus on objects both near and far
• Decrease eye strain and fatigue
• Astigmatism Treatment

Astigmatism treatments usually involve the use of glasses or soft contact lens. These two types of the corrective lens have a greater light bending strength in one direction than the other lens and are often called ‘toric’ lenses.

For those who have more astigmatism difficulties and to wear contact lenses, a gas-permeable rigid contact lens may be the easiest way to correct your astigmatism.

Other options include refractive surgery, in which the shape of the cornea is changed. Another term for this type of surgery is also known as laser eye surgery. Specific treatment options are utilized on an individual basis depending on the severity of astigmatism.

Astigmatism Treatment Options

For those individuals wishing for refractive surgery or laser eye surgery instead of correction with the use of glasses, several procedures must be evaluated before surgery. With so many other, noninvasive procedures available, much discussion is made to benefit and risk.

Anyone who is going to have a refractive surgery must have a healthy eye that is free of disease and also have no retinal problems or tears in the cornea itself.

Who Performs Astigmatism Treatment Surgery?

Any licensed ophthalmologist specially certified in Lasik surgery can perform this procedure. Always be sure to assess the facility where you will have the procedure performed that all personnel is certified. Ensure the doctor is licensed with international quality assurance credentialing centers before you have your surgery. Examination, diagnosis, and counseling regarding macular degeneration and options available are typically performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who specializes in the treatment of those with poor vision. An ophthalmologist should be licensed and trained and certified to perform eye surgical procedures. He or she should also be trained to use of laser and ultrasound equipment. Medical licensing in the United States is by local, state, and national medical boards.

If you want to know more, you can always contact us and ask for more info!