Symptoms
The symptoms of astigmatism (astigmatism, astigmatism) depend on the severity of the curvature of the cornea, since this results in refractive errors of varying degrees. A slight astigmatism is often not noticed by those affected. However, if the astigmatism is more pronounced, the clear astigmatism is noticeable due to blurred vision at near and far distances.
The eye continuously tries to bring the distorted image back into focus by adjusting the refractive power (accommodation), but this leads to headaches and burning eyes if the astigmatism is severe.Astigmatism can occur on its own, but often there is also myopia, hyperopia or presbyopia, which further increase the visual difficulties. Special devices are used to detect astigmatism. The ophthalmologist can use them to determine the exact extent of the defective vision.
One of the devices is called an ophthalmometer and is used to measure the astigmatism. The ophthalmologist measures the radius of curvature in each plane and uses these values to determine the refractive power of the planes. As with myopia, hyperopia and presbyopia, astigmatism is also measured in diopters. In addition, the axis in which the curvature lies is also indicated. This information is given in angular degrees.
Therapy
There are various options for the treatment of astigmatism, as with other forms of defective vision of the eye. In addition to the correction of astigmatism with glasses or contact lenses, surgical intervention is a possible therapy. The choice of the appropriate therapy depends on the type of astigmatism (regular or irregular) and the degree of astigmatism.
Especially in children, it is extremely important that therapy is started early, otherwise the children will develop a permanent deterioration of vision. For this reason, too, it is advisable to take the children to an ophthalmologist early on. Especially if the parents themselves have astigmatism.
The regular astigmatism hardly changes and the therapy is done by correction with glasses that have specially cut cylindrical lenses. Dimensionally stable (fixed) contact lenses are also suitable for the correction of regular astigmatism. When choosing contact lenses, it is important to know that wearing breaks are just as necessary for protection and sufficient nutrient and oxygen supply as adequate hygiene.
Irregular astigmatism is characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea and cannot be corrected with glasses. In this case, a fixed contact lens can significantly improve vision, and the so-called keratoplasty (corneal transplant) is an alternative option. In general, laser treatment of astigmatism is also possible, although the same limitations apply as for myopia. Every surgical intervention on the eye has as a possible complication the complete loss of the eye or vision, which should be well-considered when making the decision. Especially in cases of severe astigmatism, it is not possible to achieve postoperative normal vision.
