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What is it?

Astigmatism comes about when the front section of the eye, technically referred to as the cornea, is not a uniform harmonious moonlike shape. Alternatively, its mold is sort of similar to that of the back of a spoon - longer in one direction than another. Due to the fact that the cornea is an irregular shape, the eye can’t focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is blurred at all distances.

What causes it?

As the eye develops in the womb, diverse components determine the anatomy of it, including familial genetic factors and nurture. Apparently these elements can result in an uneven curve of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.

Who’s affected?

Most people have a slight astigmatism

Astigmatism is common and is normally present from birth. Most people have a unimportant astigmatism - it is unusual for the cornea to have developed in a perfectly symmetrical mode. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.

In many examples of astigmatism the individual also has accompanied visual 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 obscured or distorted whether the individual is reading close up or looking further into the distance.

In milder cases the person may complain their vision is fuzzy 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 registered optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A complete optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.

Small children, who may not be able to respond to 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 eyeglasses 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.