Comprehensive Guide to Astigmatism Correction
Astigmatism, often a misunderstood eye condition, affects approximately 1 in 3 individuals worldwide. While it may sound alarming, astigmatism primarily impacts how light focuses on the retina rather than eye health.
The Impact of Astigmatism
Imagine the cornea, the eye's outer surface, as a window. This window would be spherical in a perfect world, refracting light consistently to a single point on the retina. However, astigmatism causes this window to warp, creating two focal points and blurring vision.
Symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurry vision at all distances
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eye irritation
- Frequent eye strain
- Headaches
Types of Astigmatism
Astigmatism comes in various forms, with three primary types: myopic, hyperopic, and mixed astigmatism. Let's explore these classifications and the methods to correct them.
Myopic Astigmatism: Focusing Before the Target
In myopic astigmatism - simple or compound –the eye's principal meridians (planes) focus light in front of the retina.
Hyperopic Astigmatism: Beyond the Mark
Hyperopic astigmatism arises when one or both meridians focus light behind the retina. Like myopic astigmatism, this condition has two forms: Simple Hyperopic Astigmatism and Compound Hyperopic Astigmatism. Both focal points exist behind the retina at distinct virtual locations.
Mixed Astigmatism: The Blend of Farsightedness and Nearsightedness
Mixed astigmatism combines farsightedness (hyperopia) in one meridian and nearsightedness (myopia) in the other. This results in both focal points lying at different positions—one behind and one in front of the retina.
Regular vs. Irregular Astigmatism
Another way to classify astigmatism involves considering the regularity of the meridians. Regular astigmatism occurs when the principal meridians are either horizontal or vertical. Irregular astigmatism, on the other hand, occurs when the meridians deviate from the horizontal or vertical angles, such as 135 or 45 degrees.
Treating Astigmatism
Effective correction of astigmatism is essential to restore clear vision. Your optometrist will recommend suitable options based on your condition:
Prescription Lenses: For mild to moderate astigmatism, glasses or standard contact lenses are effective. Refractive Surgery: Surgical correction is an option but less common due to potential complications. Scleral Contact Lenses: Ideal for high astigmatism levels, scleral lenses provide clear and comfortable vision. Their larger diameter covers the cornea, creating a stable artificial corneal shape.
How Southern Eyecare Associates Can Help
Our knowledgeable eye care team at The Scleral Lenses and Keratoconus Center of Southern Eyecare Associates provides crisp and comfortable vision for all levels of astigmatism and corneal abnormalities. Schedule a consultation with Dr. John Dragon to experience efficient and accurate eye care. Request your Scleral Lens Appointment today.
The Advantages of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses stand out as an excellent choice for astigmatism. Here's why:
- Large Diameter: Scleral lenses are larger than standard soft lenses, providing stability and comfort.
- Artificial Cornea: These custom lenses shape your cornea artificially to help light bend correctly, ensuring clear and sharp vision.
- Suitable for Irregular Corneas: Scleral lenses are an option when standard lenses don't work due to irregularly shaped corneas.
- Therapeutic Use: Many optometrists prescribe scleral lenses for post-surgery patients and those with corneal abnormalities.
