Astigmatism

My best friend Jenny looks just like me. When people that don't know us see us together the always ask if we are sisters. In high school teachers used to mistake us, even friends and family members sometimes mistake us. The only difference between us is that Jenny got astigmatism. Almost everyone has some degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism is the most common vision problem, but most people don't know what it is. Therefore, I decided to inform you about astigmatism the symptoms and the treatments.

Astigmatism is a visual defect that causes blurred vision usually because an irregularly shaped cornea but sometimes it's the result of irregular shaped lens which is located behind the cornea. An irregular shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. Astigmatism is a very common vision condition. Most people have some degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism can affect any person no matter what his age, gender or race. Dr. Karla Zadnik, an Optometry at Ohio State University School of Optometry, found in a recent study of 2,532 children that more than 28 percent of them had astigmatism. Also, according to an American study published in Archives of Ophthalmology, nearly 3 in 10 children between the ages of 5 and 17 have astigmatism. Children may be even more unaware of the condition than adults, and they are unlikely to complain of the blurred or distorted vision. Regarding the prevalence in adults, a recent study in Bangladesh found that nearly 1 in 3 (32.4%) of those over the age of 30 had astigmatism.

Slight amounts of astigmatism usually don't affect vision and don't require treatment. However, larger amounts cause distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Also, people who have astigmatism have tired or dry eyes, they are struggle to focus or read or they have headaches especially when they trying to focus. Astigmatism should be diagnosed by a qualified optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist. A full optometric examination should be done to assess the degree and extent of the problem.