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| Astigmatism |
By eyeTopics Staff Editor |
Vision Disorders
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What is astigmatism?
Clear vision requires the cornea and lens of the eye to focus light perfectly on the retina. For this to happen, the cornea and lens must be symmetrical in shape. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens (or both) are not perfectly symmetrical. Instead of having an equal shape across their entire surface, they are shaped more like a football or the back of a spoon. Astigmatism is the loss of focus (or Refractive error) caused by this irregular shape. In astigmatism, the difference in curvature in different meridians of the eye (due to the irregular shape of the cornea and/or lens) causes a difference in the power of the eye along each meridian. The steepest and flattest meridians of an eye are called its principal meridians. The principal meridians are perpendicular to each other (i.e. separated by 90 degrees). There are five types of astigmatism based on the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness in each of the principal meridians: - In simple myopic astigmatism, one principal meridian is free of nearsightedness or farsightedness, but the other meridian is nearsighted.
- In compound myopic astigmatism, both meridians are nearsighted, but one is more nearsighted than the other.
- In simple hyperopic astigmatism, one meridian is free of nearsightedness or farsightedness, but the other is farsighted.
- In compound hyperopic astigmatism, both meridians are farsighted, but one is more farsighted than the other.
- In mixed astigmatism, one meridian is nearsighted and the other is farsighted.
How common is astigmatism?Most people have some degree of astigmatism, but it is frequently so mild that no corrective lenses are needed. It has been reported that an estimated 40 percent of people who wear corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses) have astigmatism.1 What are the symptoms of astigmatism? Mild astigmatism may produce no symptoms. With moderate or severe astigmatism the following symptoms may occur: - Blurred vision at all distances
- Holding reading material closer than normal
Who is at risk? Anyone can have astigmatism. A family history of astigmatism is an added risk factor. How is astigmatism detected? Astigmatism is detected by a comprehensive eye exam performed by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. Children with mild or moderate astigmatism can sometimes pass a school vision screening. Therefore, all preschoolers should have a thorough eye exam to evaluate their vision and rule out the presence of astigmatism. How is astigmatism treated? Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or Refractive surgery. Notes 1Bausch & Lomb Toric Awareness & Usage Study (2000).
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Comments
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Comment #1
(Posted by Betty Mattson)
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Hello, I have astignatism in both eyes. I found your informaion very helpful - thank you.
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Comment #2
(Posted by Kumar)
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ditto Betty'scomment... very helpful thanks!
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Comment #3
(Posted by MARTHA E. CANTU)
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RECENTLY, MY DAUGHTER TOOK MY GRANDAUGHTER TO GET HER EYES CHECKED. SHE NEEDED GLASSESS, BUT THE DOCTOR SAID THAT MAYBE MY GRANDAUGHTER COULD NOT BE GIVEN A DRIVER'S LICENSE WHEN IT CAME TIME FOR HER TO DRIVE. (MY GRANDAUGHTER IS 5 YRS OLD) HER DIAGNOSIS WAS COMPOUND MYOPIC ASTIGMATISM. WHY DID HE SAY THAT, IF THERE ARE CORRECTIVE LENSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM ? RIGHT? AND SHE DID GET GLASSES.
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Comment #4
(Posted by Alicia)
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For comment three. I have myopic astigmatism and I can drive. I wear glasses though, with out them im super blind, but sometimes, even with the glasses I cant see at night. But she should be able to drive if I can.
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Comment #5
(Posted by Marci)
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I had a very severe astigmatism, more than 8.0 diopters in each eye and was 20/400+/- in both eyes. I had limbal relaxing incisions and LASEK in both eyes and now enjoy 20/20 distance vision with very little residual astigmatism. I wear reading glasses for my near vision because I am in my mid-40's. This combination of procedures on my eyes was very sucessful and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.
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Comment #6
(Posted by shaun coleman)
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In cases where mypoia and hyperopia are due to the lens being too steep or too flat (as opposed to the eyeball being to long or short) is it fair to say these conditions are therefore specific types of astigmatism?
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Comment #7
(Posted by Christian)
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Hello. I've had this eye condition since 3rd grade and I never bothered to get it checked (well, it was mild and I got used to it). Lately I've been bothered by it much due to my new job (IT/Net Admin) where I sometimes miss a jumper or two and I found that it's an Astigmatism. It doesn't make my eye blurry, just makes certain detail objects in certain distance (more than 50 cm) appears doubled (vertically).
I'm gonna get my glasses at the end of the month.
thank you.
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Comment #8
(Posted by Tracy Hutchins)
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My daughter was just diagnosed with an astigmatism. We purchased a pair of glasses for her. She wanted to try contacts, so we purchased a pair of Toric Colorblends contacts for her. She has been wearing the contacts for a week and is unable to see through them clearly. We thought maybe it was the rewetting solution. So we switched from the Replenishing to the Express. Some of the film she was seeing went away with the Express solution. The problem we are having now is that she is unable to read on the computer, or see to read subtitles on the T.V.. It is blurry. She is discouraged. I have read a little on line regarding the prescription for lenses should be less than for glasses because the contact lense sit directly on the eye. The doctor gave her the same prescription. Do you think this is the cause of her blurred vision, too high of a prescription?. We have an appointment tomorrow 7/2/08 to see what the problem could be. I was told they were going to do some traction, or retraction (I don't remember which) to see what can be done. Has anyone experienced this issue with contact lenses with an astigmatism. She puts rewetting drops in very often, and her eyes have been very irritated. She wore them 4hrs 1st day, 6 hrs. 2nd day, and 8 hrs. 3rd day, then all day the 4th day and so on. It has been 1 week today 7/01 since she started wearing them and having these problems. Can anyone give their advice and, or personal experience regarding this situation?
Thanks
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Comment #9
(Posted by an unknown user)
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To commenter #8 - I have severe astigmatism and had trouble with contacts. Constant re-wetting never helped. When I wore them it was rare that I ever saw clearly through them. I had a lot of trouble outdoors too, they were always very uncomfortable, especially when hit with a bit of wind. But the lack of clarity forced me back to glasses. I'm pretty happy about it in the end. Glasses are easier to deal with than contacts and they make a good accessory too! :-)
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Comment #10
(Posted by Rhiannon)
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I have astigmatism of 7 in left eye and 5 in right eye.
To comment #8... I have to have a special type of contact lens shape - they may be blurry if they don't fit properly and are more likely to irritate your eyes, especially if they are a hard type, or you have them on inside out, or in the wrong eyes. Remember... DON'T RUB!!
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Comment #11
(Posted by kelly)
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hi my son is only 6 and he was diagnosed with astigmatism, i have read what it is and kind of understand. What I dont understand is when it comes to numbers, supposably he is 700 on each eye. What does this mean can someone explane please!
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Comment #12
(Posted by JoshLeeR)
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Tracy Hutchins COMMENT # 8: I have astigmatism in my left eye, and although colorblends contacts are great, I have found to get maximum eyesight I only get CLEAR contacts now. it's not that the color ones are any different, it's actually the color in them that may deflect the quality of vision for you daughter. it's a known fact that clear contacts are much more healthy for your eyes than any other contact lenses. especially for astigmatism.
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Comment #13
(Posted by Courtney)
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For #3, it could be that the grandaughter would not be able to get a license without corrective lenses. Or it could be that the doctor anticipated that her prescription could get really bad as she aged. If in doubt, ask the doctor what they meant.
For #8, I think the word used was refraction. In other words, the main part of the eye exam. That would give a clue as to what the problem could be, like if the wrong contacts were prescribed or shipped. It could be that the doctor was off on the measurements or that she has an uncommon eye shape.
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Comment #14
(Posted by Courtney)
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On comment 11, I think a period was left out. More than likely, it was 7.00, and that would mean 7 units of whatever, which is quite strong. It depends on the column since he could have nearsightedness or farsightedness in addition to astigmatism. If it is an eyeglass Rx, the first column is the sphere, or overall nearsightedness or farsightedness, with negative numbers meaning nearsighted. The 2nd column is the cylinder, the amount of additional power needed to make up for astigmatism. Both the sphere and cylinder are measured in diopters. The 3rd column is axis, the location of this extra power in degrees. The top row is generally the right eye (O.D.) and the second row is the left eye (O.S.).
Contact lenses have additional numbers such as the base curve (the inside surface of the contact lens) and the diameter (so the entire cornea is covered without irritating other tissue).
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Comment #15
(Posted by Jayne)
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I have astimatism and myopia nad cannot wear contacts of any kind. I see well for a second, blink, then it's blurry. I have tried every kind there is and it is due to the shape or better said mishape of my eye. If you have oblique astigmatism then even the hard contacts can move to the oblique of your eye causing blurriness. Glasses have always been successful for me until recently - I am now having trouble seeing clearly out of my glasses. We have tried 4 differernt lenes now for my new frames. Could it be the shape of my new frames? (Progressive lenses).
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