About Astigmatism Correction

Astigmatism is a vision disorder caused by an irregular cornea shape. This irregular shape results in blurred vision that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Astigmatism is a type of refractive disorder, or a disorder that impacts the way the eyes bend light. Often occurring with nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism is the most common vision disorder. The cause of astigmatism is not known, and in some cases it may be a hereditary condition.

Function

• The purpose of astigmatism correction is to bend light rays in such a way that they hit the back of the eye properly. In individuals with astigmatism the cornea (the clear portion covering the front of the eye) is oblong shaped as opposed to being perfectly round. This causes light rays coming in to hit the back of the eye at two separate points, resulting in distortion. Glasses or contact lenses correct this abnormal bending of the light.

Types

• There are three types of correction for astigmatism; eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. The recommended correction is dependent on the type and severity of the astigmatism. Slight astigmatism can often be corrected by any of the three options, while severe astigmatism may only be corrected by eyeglasses. Soft or rigid contact lenses used to correct astigmatism are called toric lenses. Some individuals with astigmatism may be able to have LASIK or other laser eye surgery to correct the condition.

Considerations

• An individual can be born with astigmatism or it may develop later in life. Many people have a slight astigmatism which they are unaware of until adolescents or adulthood. Because of the high prevalence of astigmatism in children and adults it is recommended that everyone have regular vision screenings. Children should receive vision screenings at 6 months, 2 years and 4 years of age, then regularly after the age of 4. The American Optometric Association estimates that up to 90% of children that require eyeglasses are not wearing correction.

Misconceptions

• Individuals with astigmatism often have the false belief that their vision cannot be corrected with soft contact lenses. While it is true that some refractive disorders can't be corrected with contacts, the vast majority can. Toric contacts are available in a wide range of parameters, materials and lens designs. Although more difficult to fit, toric lenses are an excellent option for astigmatism correction. Because of this difficulty more than one fitting session may be needed when correcting for astigmatism.

Prevention/Solution

• Astigmatism cannot be prevented and can only be cured through surgery. Although promises of vision correction through exercise have been in existence since the early1900s, the American Optometric Association says all such promises are false. Because astigmatism is an error in the physical structure of the eye no amount of exercise can "cure" astigmatism. There are no professionally accepted clinical studies that have been able to demonstrate successful, long-term vision correction using an exercise or "natural" technique.