Astigmatism: treatment depends on the degree of severity

Some people see the world a little differently than most. Sometimes the reason for this is astigmatism. What is the reason for such a "special vision of the world"? The fact is that the cornea in people with this diagnosis is asymmetric. Normally this transparent shell helps the rays to focus on the retina. In patients with astigmatism, due to the irregular shape of the cornea, it is not possible to see a clear image.

What triggers the emergence of a condition such as astigmatism? The reasons are not uniform. There is an innate disease, it happens, it occurs after an eye injury (scratches or strokes) or a transmitted infection. Sometimes the fact is that a person has too heavy eyelids. With a slight degree of astigmatism, simple blinking helps, so vision does not deteriorate and measures are not necessary. In more serious cases, vision correction is necessary.

How is astigmatism diagnosed? Symptoms can be ambiguous, for example, blurred vision, so specific tests for diagnosis are used.

Firstly, using an ordinary table to determine visual acuity, although, of course, this method will not allow a certain diagnosis.

Secondly, the refraction of light is evaluated. The doctor can use both just correcting lenses and a special machine. The doctor looks at this, whether the light is refracted correctly when it is directed into the eye. He uses a special device - a retinoscope. Then the doctor suggests looking at the table for diagnosis of vision using special lenses. If these lenses help, then the condition is defined as astigmatism. Treatment is possible if it is correct to determine the severity of manifestations of pathology.

Third, keratometry is used. The machine measures the curvature of the cornea. A normal cornea, as a rule, has symmetrical and average statistical curvature. The astigmatist has an unusual form, which the machine sees. In addition to diagnosing this disease, keratometry is used to select contact lenses and after operations on the eye.

Fourthly, a method of topography of the cornea has recently appeared. This is technologically the most advanced way. In this case, the patient looks at a certain point given to him, and the machine produces thousands of subtle measurements. On the doctor's computer appears a three-dimensional image of the eye, where all the slightest deviations are visible. Usually this method is used if surgery is necessary, and sometimes for the selection of contact lenses for people with unusual eyes.

If you or a close astigmatism, treatment is possible in far more than one way. In fact, there are usually three main methods. Firstly, these are good old glasses. Secondly, suitable some contact lenses. Well, in difficult cases can not do without surgical intervention. Although the operation is sometimes carried out and with a small degree of astigmatism.

Glasses are suitable for almost everyone, but the problem is that vision improves only when the patient looks straight. But if the rays come from the side, the image is distorted: the patient in the room gives the impression that the walls are slightly inclined. This is not the most pleasant feeling. However, over time, many get used to and do not notice more, the process usually takes about a week. Some doctors have light degrees of astigmatism generally prefer not to be treated, since they do not bother the patients a little.

And if there is an average degree of astigmatism? Treatment is also done with contact lenses, but only in a special form. Ordinary lenses rotate when you blink. But these lenses are arranged so that they return to their original position. And because they can compensate for the wrong shape of the cornea - without the effect of curvature of the walls. However, this option is bad for allergy sufferers and people whose eyes are unusually sensitive.

Strong astigmatism? Treatment with a surgical method will solve the problem. Usually, this operation is performed using a laser. The doctor changes the shape of the cornea, but this is a jeweler's work, very thin, so you can only entrust your eyes to a very sensible doctor.

In any case, treatment will help to compensate for any degree and type of astigmatism. Address to the good oculists!