What is it?

Astigmatism happens when the front end part of the eye, known as cornea, is not a uniform even global shape. Rather, its configuration is kind of like that of the back of a spoon - longer in one direction than another. Because the cornea is an uneven form, the eye can’t focus light passing through it sharply on to the back of the eye or retina. So vision is hazy at all distances.

What causes it?

As the eye originates in the womb, assorted components influence the configuration of it, including inheritable genetic factors and environment. Apparently these elements can lead to an irregular curvature of the cornea, although the exact cause isn’t known.

Who’s affected?

Actually most of us have an astigmatism - but generally it is very mild

Astigmatism is common and is normally present from birth. Most people have a mild astigmatism - it’s uncommon for the cornea to have developed in a absolutely symmetrical manner. But in mild cases, the eye can adjust to focus light adequately.

In many cases of astigmatism the person also has accompanied optical problems such as short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Two-thirds of people with short-sightedness also have significant astigmatism.

What are the symptoms?

In severe astigmatism, vision is obscured or distorted whether the individual is reading close up or looking further into the distance.

In milder cases the person may complain their vision is blurred at certain distances, that they’ve tired or dry eyes, that it is a struggle to focus or read, or that they’ve headaches, especially when trying to focus.
How is it diagnosed?

Astigmatism should be diagnosed by a certified optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A full optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.

Tiny children, who mightn’t be able to answer the optometrist’s queries about what they can see, can be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves reflected light.

What’s the treatment?

In most cases, Using contact lenses or spectacles, which have been bespokely designed, you can sort out most cases of astigmatism.

If the astigmatism isn’t too bad, it may not require treatment at all - unless of course it is critical to your work that you have perfect vision or that you are likely to tire, in which case a mild astigmatism may become more severe.

In some cases, astigmatism can be corrected by an operation called refractive surgery, which reshapes the cornea.

For some people another option is laser treatment. If you are considering this form of therapy, ensure that you speak to your surgeon about the good and bad points before you make your decision.