Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea or lens of the eye is not curved correctly, leading to improper focus of light on the retina. This condition can cause images to appear blurry or distorted. Astigmatism is a common type of visual impairment and can sometimes be difficult to notice.
Symptoms
Blurry or Distorted Vision: Objects appear blurry at both near and far distances, which is the most common symptom of astigmatism.
Eye Fatigue and Headaches: Eye fatigue and frequent headaches may occur due to prolonged focus efforts.
Quick Eye Fatigue: Eyes get tired quickly during activities requiring visual intensity, such as reading or computer use.
Night Vision Difficulties: Symptoms like seeing halos around lights or light scattering, especially while driving at night, can be observed.
Diagnostic Methods
The diagnosis of astigmatism can be made through a comprehensive eye examination by an eye care specialist. Some methods used during the examination include:
Visual Acuity Test: This test measures your visual acuity by reading from an eye chart.
Reflex Test (Retinoscopy): The eye doctor shines a light into your eye and observes how the light reflects from the retina. This test helps in detecting refractive errors.
Keratometry: A device is used to measure the curvature of the cornea.
Computerized Corneal Topography: Helps in identifying any curvature abnormalities by producing a detailed map of the cornea.
Astigmatism can significantly affect visual quality, but it can be easily corrected with appropriate glasses, contact lenses, or surgical interventions. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to consult an eye specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment will help maintain your visual quality and improve your daily life quality.
What Causes Astigmatism and Who is Affected?
Astigmatism is a refractive error resulting from asymmetrical curvature in the cornea or lens structure of the eye. So, why does astigmatism occur? The most common cause is congenital structural abnormalities. Ideally, the cornea should be round like a dome; however, in individuals with astigmatism, this structure is oval or irregular, preventing light from focusing on a single point on the retina and causing blurriness at both near and far distances.
Genetic predisposition is a significant factor in the development of astigmatism. Eye surgeries, trauma, or progressive eye diseases such as keratoconus can also pave the way for astigmatism development. Astigmatism developing in childhood can affect school performance and social development if not detected early. Therefore, conducting astigmatism tests during regular eye check-ups is a process that should not be neglected in children.
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed and How Does It Affect Visual Quality?
Diagnosis of astigmatism usually begins with a visual acuity test, where patients are shown letters or shapes of various sizes to determine how clearly they can see at different distances. This test is crucial in identifying refractive errors like astigmatism. Then, a detailed measurement of the cornea's curvature is conducted using astigmatism tests. Devices like keratometry or corneal topography extract a map of the cornea to confirm the diagnosis if there is an abnormality.
The question of how astigmatics see is one of the most curious subjects for patients. Individuals with astigmatism see straight lines as tilted and letters as shadowed or blurry. Especially in low light or situations requiring prolonged focus, symptoms such as quick eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision emerge. If astigmatism accompanies myopia, this condition answers what myopic astigmatism is: The individual experiences difficulties with both distant vision and detailed shape perception.
In combinations of astigmatism and myopia, achieving clear vision may not always be possible with standard eyeglass lenses. In such cases, toric contact lenses or laser correction procedures yield more successful results. A proper treatment plan requires comprehensive eye examinations and assessment of individual needs. Every person's visual requirements are different, so personalized solutions can enhance life quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by the irregular shape of the cornea or lens. Normally, the cornea should have a smooth curvature that correctly focuses light on the retina. However, in eyes with astigmatism, this surface is irregular and light cannot fully focus on a single point. The answer to why astigmatism occurs lies in both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition is the most commonly seen cause. Besides congenital causes, eye trauma, past eye surgeries, or progressive eye diseases like keratoconus can lead to the development of astigmatism. In some cases, astigmatism develops during childhood and can progress over time. The severity of astigmatism can range from mild to severe and can be seen in all age groups.
Visual Acuity Test
The visual acuity test is a basic eye examination method that measures how clearly a person can see. This test plays an important role in diagnosing refractive errors like astigmatism. During the visual acuity test, various sizes of letters or symbols are shown to the patient to evaluate if they can be read correctly. Especially in individuals with astigmatism, some letters or lines appearing clear while others appear blurry is a typical finding. Through this test, impairments in the eye's focusing capacity are detected, and if necessary, the diagnosis is clarified with a detailed astigmatism test. The visual acuity test is one of the essential evaluations conducted before prescribing glasses or contact lenses. Conducting this test at regular intervals is paramount for maintaining eye health.
How Does an Astigmatism See?
The way individuals with astigmatism see is different from normal eyes due to irregularities in the surface of the cornea or lens. The answer to how astigmatism sees usually involves blurry, distorted, or double vision. People with astigmatism experience problems with both distant and near clarity. For example, when reading text, the letters may appear wavy, shadowed, or overlapped. Especially seeing halos or scattering effects around light sources are typical signs of astigmatism. This irregular vision can eventually lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and concentration issues. When astigmatism symptoms are mild, a person may not notice them for a long time. However, as symptoms intensify, a professional eye examination and correct treatment for astigmatism are essential.
What is Myopic Astigmatism?
The question of what myopic astigmatism is explains the combination of two different visual impairments. Myopia, or nearsightedness, arises from structural variations in the eye globe. Astigmatism occurs due to the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. Myopic astigmatism describes the condition where both myopia and astigmatism coexist. In this case, the individual experiences blurred distant vision as well as distortions, shifts, or shadows in the visual image. Especially the non-clarity of lines, letters, or shapes is the most frequently complained-about condition. In the treatment of myopic astigmatism, specially designed eyeglass lenses or toric contact lenses are typically used. In advanced cases, permanent solutions like laser surgery may also be considered. Accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment approach play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with myopic astigmatism. Astigmatism Test Astigmatism tests are specific examination methods used to determine the presence and degree of astigmatism. In addition to basic eye examinations, corneal topography and refraction tests are specifically used to detect astigmatism. During the refraction test, how the patient sees with different lenses is measured, while corneal topography extracts a detailed map of the corneal surface. These tests determine the degree of astigmatism, the axis on which it is present, and the most suitable treatment option. Astigmatism testing is indispensable before prescribing glasses or contact lenses or evaluating laser surgery suitability. Regular eye examinations with astigmatism tests help in detecting possible visual impairments at an early stage.