Astigmatism is a common refractive error where the eye’s front surface, either the cornea or the lens, has an irregular curve, shaped more like a football than a basketball. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Corrective Lenses
Eyeglasses are a common solution for correcting astigmatism, employing specially designed cylindrical lenses. These lenses have different curvatures in different directions, bending light to compensate for the eye’s irregular shape. Aligned with the astigmatism’s orientation, they focus light precisely onto the retina, providing clear vision.
Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for astigmatism. They feature unique designs with two different curves to match the eye’s irregular shape. Stabilization mechanisms, like thin zones or prism ballast, ensure they remain correctly oriented with each blink. This provides varying corrective powers along different axes, directing light to a single focal point for sharper vision.
Surgical Correction
Surgical procedures can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism permanently. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common procedure where a thin, hinged flap is created on the cornea’s surface. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the irregular curvature, and the flap is repositioned afterward.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser-based option that reshapes the cornea without creating a flap. In PRK, the outermost corneal layer, the epithelium, is removed before an excimer laser reshapes the surface. A bandage contact lens protects the eye as the epithelium regrows over several days. PRK is an option for individuals with thinner corneas or certain corneal conditions.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer, less invasive laser procedure for astigmatism and nearsightedness. A femtosecond laser creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea. This lenticule is removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting the vision error. SMILE does not require creating a large corneal flap, potentially leading to faster recovery and less dry eye.
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs) offer a different surgical approach for those not ideal candidates for laser corneal reshaping. An ICL, a specialized biocompatible lens, is implanted inside the eye, typically between the iris and the natural lens. This lens works with the eye’s existing structures to correct refractive errors, including astigmatism, without removing corneal tissue.
Regular Eye Care and Monitoring
Professional eye care manages astigmatism and maintains eye health. Comprehensive eye exams diagnose astigmatism, monitor its progression, and update corrective lens prescriptions. Regular evaluations ensure optimal vision correction as eye conditions can change.
Early detection of astigmatism, especially in children, leads to more effective management and helps prevent complications like amblyopia. Professionals identify signs during routine check-ups, even if a child does not express vision problems. Prompt intervention helps support proper visual development.
Consult an eye care professional for symptoms like sudden vision changes, persistent blurriness, headaches, or eye strain. An evaluation determines the underlying cause and ensures appropriate treatment.