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ASTIGMATISM
What is
astigmatism?
Although the name sounds
awful, astigmatism is a simple condition whereby the cornea
(the clear front of the eye) is oval in shape, rather than
round (i.e. like a football rather than a soccer ball). This
causes objects at any distance to appear unclear, as light
will not focus to a point onto the retina. People with
myopia or hyperopia can also have astigmatism
A person with no astigmatism
will see all of the lines of the first picture in focus. A
person with astigmatism will see one or more lines in focus,
whilst others appear blurry.
In our example above, the
horizontal lines are perfectly clear, and become
progressively blurry as they reach vertical. You can check
for astigmatism now by covering one eye, standing three
meters from the screen, and checking to see if any of the
lines on the first picture appear more blurry. Or, try an
online eye test.
What problems might a
person with astigmatism experience?
Astigmatism, because of its
irregular focusing, has a myriad of possible signs and
symptoms. These include
- Difficulty seeing distant
objects
- Difficulty seeing close
objects
- Difficulty with computer
screens
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Ghosting (a faint
overlapping second image)
- Lights tend to appear
spread out
Who develops
astigmatism?
Anyone can develop
astigmatism at any age.
What causes
astigmastism?
No-one is sure. There may be
a weak hereditary component, although this link has not been
confirmed.
Can astigmatism be
cured?
No. Because astigmatism is a
structural problem of the eye, there doesn't appear to be a
much likelihood of a cure.
What should I do if I
think I might have astigmatism?
You should arrange for an eye
examination with your local Optometrist. Your
Optometrist will advise you if you have developed
astigmatism, and will be able to recommend the best form of
treatment if it is required.
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