6 Facts You Need to Know About Astigmatism

They say having Astigmatism is like driving through life with a “warped windshield”. Though there is no known cause for most cases of Astigmatism, it is usually attributed to an imperfection in the shape of the eye, particularly the cornea, which is responsible for most of the eyes ability to “bend light” or focusing most of the light which enters the eye.

Due to the irregular shape, the eye’s ability to focus is inhibited. So images may appear distorted or blurred. Astigmatism is a term commonly known but there are still little known facts about this condition.

Here are some key facts about astigmatism:

1. Most people have it but don’t know it. Because some mild types of this condition don’t affect vision, most people aren’t aware they have it. It is also more common in young people and women. Astigmatism often occurs in puberty. It may also be present in birth and can increase in intensity through the years.
2. It can go away. Most people do not experience symptoms nor do they require treatment. But prescription eye glasses or contact lenses have been known to treat Astigmatism in its early stages.
3. The Diabetic Connection. High blood sugar levels can affect the eye, particularly the shape of the lens, which is responsible for the focusing power of the eye. This is called Diabetic retinopathy and occurs when the tiny blood vessels in the eye are blocked.
4. Rubbing can cause eye weakening. Commonly seen in people with allergies, chronic vigorous rubbing of the eyes can cause damage to the cornea and eventually cause increased pressure and irregular change in the shape of the eye.
5. Exercising can help. This may seem odd but if you really think about it, our eyes are muscles and so they need to be kept in shape. One helpful exercise is to read and avert your gaze periodically. Start by reading one paragraph then shifting your gaze to a nearby object and then go back to reading. Doing this repeatedly will strengthen your eye muscles and improve your ability to focus.
6. Having LASIK is the way to go. LASIK surgery is known to be the key to regaining perfect vision but moreover, it can also be responsible for correcting astigmatism. Having LASIK is like hitting two birds with one stone. LASIK surgery can reshape the inner layer of the cornea, correcting astigmatism in the process.

To learn more on how much of a difference maker LASIK is, check out the lives Shinagawa changed for the better: https://shinagawa.ph/lasik-testimonials/Given these facts about astigmatism and what LASIK can do, this condition can certainly be corrected and there’s nothing to worry about if you happen to have it.