Regular Astigmatism

 Regular astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is shaped more like a football than a basketball. This regular, symmetrical curvature causes light entering the eye to be focused unevenly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Regular astigmatism is classified as either myopic (nearsighted) or hypermetropic (farsighted) astigmatism, depending on the direction of the curvature.

Myopic Astigmatism

Myopic astigmatism, also known as simple myopic astigmatism, occurs when the cornea is curved more in one direction than the other, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry vision for distant objects.

Myopic astigmatism is often inherited and is usually present from birth. It can also develop later in life due to changes in the shape of the eye or underlying health conditions.

Symptoms of Myopic Astigmatism

The most common symptom of myopic astigmatism is blurry vision for distant objects. Other symptoms may include:

  • Eye strain or fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Squinting to see clearly
  • Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis of Myopic Astigmatism

Myopic astigmatism is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which includes tests to measure visual acuity, refractive error, and the overall health of the eye.

The first step in diagnosing myopic astigmatism is a visual acuity test, which measures how well you can see at different distances. This is typically done using a chart with rows of letters or numbers that get smaller as you move down the chart. You will be asked to read the letters or numbers aloud, and the eye doctor will use this information to determine the level of your myopic astigmatism.

Other tests that may be used to diagnose myopic astigmatism include:

  • Refraction test: This test measures the amount of refractive error in the eye and is used to determine the best eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
  • Keratometry: This test measures the curvature of the cornea to determine the eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
  • Topography: This test creates a detailed map of the surface of the cornea to help determine the eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

Treatment of Myopic Astigmatism

The most common treatment for myopic astigmatism is eyeglasses or contact lenses, which correct the refractive error by bending the light entering the eye in such a way that it is focused evenly on the retina. Other treatment options include:

  • Refractive surgery: Procedures such as LASIK and PRK can be used to permanently correct myopic astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to improve its ability to focus light on the retina.
  • Orthokeratology: This treatment involves wearing special contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision during the day.

Prevention of Myopic Astigmatism

There is no sure way to prevent myopic astigmatism, as it is often inherited or acquired due to changes in the shape of the eye. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing myopic astigmatism or to slow its progression:

  • Protect your eyes from UV radiation: Wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients can help maintain overall eye health

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

ABETALIPOPROTEINEMIA (BASSEN-KORNZWEIG SYNDROME) Retinopathy

What is myopia?

Scleritis