Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an eye condition that affects vision and can affect an individual's quality of life. It is caused by anomalies in the way light focuses on the retina. The degree of astigmatism varies, and many people live with it without even knowing it, as it does not seriously impact vision. However, in severe cases, individuals may struggle with vision and suffer symptoms such as eye strain and headaches. If you suspect you have astigmatism, seeking treatment is a good idea.
Understanding Astigmatism
Individuals with healthy eyesight will have a cornea shaped like a smoothly-rounded dome. This shape allows light to bend evenly as it enters the eye and is then focused on the retina, resulting in clear and sharp vision. If the cornea has shape anomalies where one side of the cornea is steeper than the other side, this affects how light enters the eye. What this results in is two focal points on the retina rather than one, which in turn distorts the resulting vision. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has shape irregularities and thus does not focus the light on the retina as it should.
Depending on the cornea anomaly, the degree of astigmatism varies from individual to individual. In cases where the cornea is severely mishapen, it can result in debilitating symptoms that can affect the victim’s quality of life. There are numerous causes of astigmatism. For many individuals, this problem is present during birth and may worsen as the individual ages. Another common cause of astigmatism is traumatic injury to the eye. Some eye diseases, left untreated, can also cause astigmatism. In some rare cases, astigmatism has been known to develop after eye surgery, especially if it is not done correctly.
When Do You Need Astigmatism Treatment?
Astigmatism can usually be detected during eye checkups. Early intervention can typically help reverse the condition, which is why pediatric eye care is critical. Corrective action can be taken before the problem severely impacts your child's quality of life. If left untreated, astigmatism can lead to a ‘lazy eye’ condition in children where eye muscles do not function as they are supposed to. An astigmatism diagnosis can be tackled with several interventions that can help alleviate the problem. These typically take the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses that can help correct the passage of light into the eye and help to resolve the condition. Several surgical procedures can also correct the shape of the cornea.
Why Choose Columbia Eye Associates, PA?
At Columbia Eye Associates, we have decades of experience providing Americans with top-notch astigmatism treatments and other eye care services. Aided by cutting-edge medical technology, our entire team will make you feel as comfortable as possible during any procedure you may undergo. We also work with many different healthcare insurance providers, making the process as convenient as possible for you.
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