Let's Discuss About Astigmatism

You may think that astigmatism only effects people with weak eyesight, but the truth is, it's actually quite common. In fact, one in five Americans have astigmatism. While some people try to downplay their symptoms or even ignore them, others will do anything to get their vision back to normal as quickly as possible. If you're reading this, you probably suffer from cross-eyes (aka "astigmatism"). You might also know it as "bad eye sight," or "nearsightedness," or simply "glaucoma." Regardless of what you call it, having cross-eyes is never a good thing, and now scientists have discovered an all new way to describe the condition which it's called astigmatism! Read with me along as I dive deeper into what astigmatism really is

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a condition in which the iris of the eye is stretched or bowled out at different angles. The result is blurred vision. It is characterized by a variation in the width of the circles formed by the two eyes, often related to the position of the eye relative to the head.

There are a number of causes of astigmatism, but the most common are genetic, eye disease, medications, and shift work. Genetic causes are the most common, accounting for about 30% of people with the condition. Eye disease, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can also cause astigmatism. Common medications such as anti-depressants can cause changes in the thickness of the eye lens. Shift work can also be a factor.

Many people who work night shifts or have unstable sleep schedules suffer from astigmatism. It's estimated that 1 in 5 people have some form of astigmatism, and 1 in 100 have severe forms. Most people with astigmatism will compensate by wearing generously-sized contact lenses, but around 1 in 3 people who wear glasses also have astigmatism.

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Types of Astigmatism

There are three main types of astigmatism: divergent, convergent, and mixed. Divergent astigmatism occurs when the focus of the eye is out of alignment with the optical axis, causing the focus to be off-kilter with the other surrounding parts of the eye. Divergent astigmatism can be treated with surgery, but it can also be managed with glasses. Convergent astigmatism occurs when the focus of the eye is in line with the optical axis, but the other parts of the eye are out of alignment with it.

Convergent astigmatism can be treated with glasses or surgery, but it is more often the result of a disease, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Mixed astigmatism occurs when a combination of two or more of the above types of astigmatism is present. There is no cure for astigmatism, but there are a number of treatments that can help make your vision normal again.

Depending on what type of astigmatism you have, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments: Laser Eye Surgery - This is a very effective and painless way to correct your astigmatism. However, it is expensive and only available to well-off patients. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - This non-invasive test can detect and correct your astigmatism for a low price.

Despite the fact that everyone experiences some level of astigmatism, not everyone benefits from glasses or ophthalmic surgery.

Proven benefits of astigmatism treatment include:

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• Increased visual acuity - This is the most common reason for wearing spectacles or contacts after glasses or contact lenses. Eye glass wearers who also have astigmatism are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Visual acuity, which measures how well things like letters, words, and pictures appear out of the eye's field of vision, is the best way to determine how much vision you get back after glasses or contacts are wore out.

• Longerlasting Contact Lenses - People who wear glasses for a long time usually need new contacts every year or two, whereas people who wear glasses infrequently will only need them once every few years.

• Improved night vision - The lens of your eye is made up of several layers, including aensible humectant (Selsa Reserve) and a protein that helps your eye retain its moisture. Night vision is really important, so it's a good idea to keep your eyes healthy. Wasting away from looking in the mirror after hours is not only a sign of aging but also of a poor night vision. Increased sense of Well-being - There's no way to put it simply, but the sense of well-being that comes with having good vision is simply priceless.

If you're reading this, you probably suffer from cross-eyes (astigmatism). You might also know it as "bad eye sight," or "nearsightedness," or simply "glaucoma." Regardless of what you call it, having cross-eyes is never a good thing. But it is nothing to worry about as it can be treated or rather the effect can be suppressed to a very great extent

(1). https://kraffeye.com/blog/astigmatism-symptoms-causes-treatment

(2). https://icloudhospital.com/articles/astigmatism

(3). https://www.healthline.com/health/astigmatism

(4). https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/astigmatism?sso=y

(5). https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/astigmatism-eyes