ASTIGMATISM
By Jim VanZile
Normal Vision
Symptoms of Astigmatism
- Headaches
- Eye Strain
- Squinting
- Distorted or blurred vision at all distances
- Difficulty driving at night
Provided by the National Eye Institute
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism is described as a condition when light does not focus into the retina correctly causing vision to blur (National Eye Institute, 2015). The National Eye Institute explains that a normal cornea of an eye is round like a basketball. When a the eye is misshaped and the form resembles a football astigmatism will occur.
Normal and Astigmatic Eye
Cross Secting the Astigmatic Eye
Astigmatic Vision
Treating Astigmatism
Treating astigmatism can be done in various ways. Suggested methods include; glasses, rigid contact lenses, or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery (Ghoreishi, Beni, & Beni, 2014). It is suggested that the each specific patient be evaluated to determine what procedure is best suited for them.
References
Ghoreishi, M., Beni, A. N., & Beni, Z. N. (2014). Visual outcomes of topography-guided excimer laser surgery for treatment of patients with irregular astigmatism. Lasers in Medical Science, 29(1), 105-111. http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1282-9
Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Sensation and perception (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
National Eye Institute. (2015). Astigmatism. Retrieved from https://nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/astigmatism