Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects how your eye focuses light. Unlike normal vision, where the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) is evenly curved, in astigmatism, the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. This irregularity causes light to bend unevenly, leading to blurred or distorted vision at any distance—whether near or far.
Astigmatism can occur on its own or alongside other vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Most people have some degree of astigmatism, but significant cases may need correction.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
- Blurry or distorted vision at any distance
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially after prolonged activities like reading or using screens
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions
- Frequent headaches or squinting to see more clearly
These symptoms can often go unnoticed because mild astigmatism doesn’t always cause significant issues, but even slight irregularities in the cornea can affect vision clarity.
How is Astigmatism Treated?
At Prakash Eye Centre, we provide multiple treatment options to correct astigmatism and ensure sharper, clearer vision:
- Prescription Glasses: Glasses with specially designed lenses compensate for the uneven curvature of your cornea or lens, allowing light to focus properly on the retina.
- Contact Lenses: Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to address astigmatism and provide clear, comfortable vision without the need for glasses.
- Laser Surgery (LASIK/PRK): Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, correcting the uneven curvature and allowing light to focus correctly, providing clearer vision and reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.
