Astigmatism

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is one of the most common types of eye sight and can cause blurred vision and headaches.  It is sometimes mistakenly called “stigma” or “stigmatism”.  Often someone with astigmatism can have other visual problems as well such as long sight or short sight.  For some people it does not cause any major problems and others may suffer from blurred vision, headaches, tired eyes and sensitivity to light.

What causes Astigmatism & who develops it?

This type of eyesight usually occurs when either the front surface of the eye, called the cornea, or sometimes when the lens in the eye is shaped irregularly e.g. shaped like a rugby ball or an almond.  This results in the vision looking distorted.  It is not a disease, purely a type of eyesight, and it is not visible to the naked eye.  There is a tendency for this type of eyesight to be inherited, ie it can run in families.

It is extremely common and almost all people have some degree of astigmatism, it is often present at birth and may remain the same throughout life.

What are the symptoms of Astigmatism and how is it diagnosed?

Symptoms include distortion or blurring of images at all distances, (both distance and near), headaches, eye fatigue or eye strain, squinting and eye discomfort or irritation

Of interest to parents and those who work with children, astigmatism may contribute to poor schoolwork but is often not detected during routine eye screening in schools.

It is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that checks the vision at all distances, clarity of vision and eye health.

At Nichola C. Kennedy FAOI Optometrist your precise prescription will be determined  during the course of a comprehensive eye examination. This prescription comes in the form of spectacles and contact lenses may also be used to correct it.

Book now if you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.