It’s important to look after your eyes because there are lots of conditions you can develop in life. Most of them are treatable and easily sorted if spotted early, which is why we’re always recommending people visit us regularly.
Astigmatism is one common condition that can happen at any point in life, and it is important to understand what it is, how it can affect your vision, and what the solutions are.
So, What is Astigmatism?
The first thing we’re going to talk about is what astigmatism is, and how it can affect you.
Astigmatism is a condition where your eye is shaped less like a football (normal shape) and more like a rugby ball. This condition means that light is generally focused in more than one place in your eye.
What Can Astigmatism Cause?
Astigmatism is a condition that can cause a range of complications and issues.
You may notice that you get blurred vision or eye strain after long periods of concentration, and headaches.
Astigmatism normally occurs as a companion to either short-sightedness or long-sightedness. It is also important to understand that astigmatism, if left untreated, can cause a lazy eye in one of your eyes, because your vision doesn’t develop properly. However, if you spot astigmatism early, then there are things you can do to treat it.
How Do We Solve Astigmatism?
When talking about astigmatism, there are typically two courses of action which can be taken. The first of these is preventative – taking the time to get your eyes tested regularly and taking children and young people for eye tests too.
This is very important because astigmatism can affect both concentration and reading ability. If a teenager has astigmatism, then they should get regular eye tests. These tests are searching for a different eye condition called keratoconus. This is a condition that causes part of the eye to change shape.
There are a couple of different treatments that can help with astigmatism. The first and most common option, and the most recommended, is corrective lenses. These are an easy way to support the eye and allow your vision to return to normal. There are other forms of treatment on offer, such as contact lenses, which are also an effective method and good for people who lead an active lifestyle.
Finally, there are surgical treatments, but these are rarely prescribed as they are often expensive and unnecessary. Corrective lenses can solve the problem quickly in just a few months in most cases.
Final Thoughts
So, when it comes to your experiences with astigmatism, it is important to understand three things. First, it’s a very common condition. Second, there are plenty of treatments available. Third, and arguably most important, the earlier we find it, the better it will be. You need to have regular appointments to prevent this type of condition from becoming a real issue – it’ll pay dividends in the long run.
If you have any questions or concerns about your eyesight, or have noticed a change in your vision, please let us know or call us for advice.