On the front surface of our eye, there is a transparent layer called the cornea. Irregularities on the surface of the cornea cause astigmatism, leading to a refractive error that blurs the image of objects.
Most people have some degree of astigmatism, which usually doesn't require treatment. Astigmatism often occurs alongside other refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia. It can be seen at any age.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism can be hereditary or result from keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins over time, or from an accident or trauma (surgery, injury) incurred later in life. In cases where high-degree astigmatism is observed in young children, keratoconus should be investigated. For this, an examination at a center capable of mapping the cornea is very important.
What are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?
- Blurred and distorted vision,
- Light scattering and inability to focus clearly on bright texts,
- Headaches,
- Difficulty seeing at night.
Degrees of Astigmatism
Since astigmatism is a refractive error, it makes it difficult for the patient to see writings and images clearly. Many individuals with refractive errors may develop astigmatism later. It can be observed alongside conditions like myopia and hyperopia. Therefore, regular eye exams are crucial, and astigmatism should be checked during routine controls.
If deemed necessary, eyeglasses may be required to correct astigmatism as well. The crucial factor here is the degree of astigmatism. For instance, a patient with a very low degree may not need glasses. However, as age progresses, the degrees of astigmatism tend to increase rapidly. While surgery can alleviate astigmatism in young patients, this situation is the opposite for older individuals.
Astigmatism Ranges Between 0.50-1.00
These individuals do not need to wear glasses, but regular eye exams are essential to monitor potential future developments.
Astigmatism Ranges Between 1.00-4.00
Individuals with this degree usually have other refractive errors present as well. Since myopia or hyperopia may also be observed, wearing glasses is necessary. Routine and regular eye check-ups are very important for these patients.
Astigmatism 4.00 and Above
These individuals must not neglect their eye examinations, as this condition can lead to other eye problems. It is crucial to be more sensitive about eyeglass use because the degrees of astigmatism can rapidly progress. They should protect their eyes from visual stimuli such as computers, TVs, phones, books, and bright visuals as much as possible.
Astigmatism Test
There are some tests available on the internet that simply measure your visual ability, but it is recommended to consult a specialist physician for the diagnosis of such a widespread and rapidly progressing disorder and start treatment as soon as possible. If necessary, during diagnosis, the pupils can be dilated with eye drops for thorough examination of the optic nerve and retina.
Can the Degree of Astigmatism Decrease?
Based on a specialist physician's examination, an appropriate treatment method will be recommended according to the type of astigmatism and the patient's age. This initially involves wearing prescription glasses or lenses. Glasses and lenses do not reduce your degree for clearer vision; they may decrease or increase over the years. If the degree does not decrease and increases, laser surgery is recommended, but not every patient may be suitable for this treatment, thus a detailed eye examination is required.
How is Astigmatism Treated?
Today, astigmatism is a treatable vision disorder and laser surgery is its only treatment. If you are over 18, not in pregnancy or breastfeeding, do not have diabetes or rheumatic diseases, do not suffer from keratoconus or eye pressure problems, and your eye degrees are no longer progressing, you can reduce or possibly eliminate your degree of astigmatism with laser treatment.
Astigmatism Surgery
LAZER is the most widely used method in refractive surgery globally for treating myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is the most successful method in treating low-degree astigmatism.
There are several types of laser surgery;
The first is the Lasik procedure, where a flap is created. In these surgeries, a flap is made on the cornea with a blade or bladeless laser to access the tissue. After the procedure, the flap is closed, and the patient begins to see well. Complaints such as pain, burning, and stinging are either nonexistent or short-lived.
The other is the PRK Lasek type surface surgeries. No incision is made in the cornea during these surgeries. Only the epithelial tissue on top of the cornea is removed, and the laser is applied directly to the patient's cornea. A contact lens is placed for 2-3 days to protect the corneal surface after surgery. It may take 3-4 weeks to achieve clear vision levels after this procedure. Pain, stinging, watering, and blurred vision can be observed 3-4 days post-laser.
SMILE laser is the latest, third-generation laser refractive surgery. While Lasik requires a large incision for laser application, this incision is reduced to 2 mm in SMILE.
In the SMILE procedure, the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) in the cornea. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small arc-shaped incision made on the corneal surface with the same laser. Removing the tiny lenticule corrects myopia and alters the shape of the cornea. The corneal incision heals without stitches within a few days, and sharp vision happens quickly, resulting in rapid recovery without experiencing dry eyes, pain, or stinging. Additionally, a No-Touch Laser treatment can be applied to patients unsuitable for these procedures.
No-touch Laser (TransPRK) Application
It is just one of the methods used to correct refractive errors. Although it is the first-generation laser surgery, it can be safely applied in limited cases. As the name suggests, it is a laser treatment performed without touching the eye. It is a comfortable method for patients who are apprehensive about the sensation of contact. One of its advantages is that it can be applied to patients with thin corneal structures.
Will Astigmatism Worsen Without Glasses?
Apart from certain special conditions, astigmatism generally does not progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is astigmatism and how does it occur?
Astigmatism is a condition defined as one of the refractive errors in the eye and typically results from the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, causing the light to not focus correctly on the retina. This issue can lead to unclear or distorted perception of objects at both far and near distances.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
Symptoms of astigmatism can vary from person to person and depending on the severity of the condition. However, common symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye fatigue, difficulty with night vision, and dispersion of light in textual forms.
Can astigmatism be treated?
Yes, astigmatism can be treated. There are various treatment options available, including contact lenses, glasses, and laser surgery. For suitable candidates, laser surgery can provide a permanent solution.
Does astigmatism progress?
Astigmatism generally remains stable, but it can progress in certain cases. Corneal diseases like keratoconus can cause astigmatism to worsen. Regular eye check-ups should be conducted to determine whether astigmatism is progressing.