2023-10-27 09:12:08
Astigmatism is a visual problem that occurs when the cornea does not have the same curvature in all its areas, with some areas being more inclined or rounded than others.
Astigmatism generates blurred vision at any distance and is usually more pronounced in night vision or in low light conditions. It also affects 38.3 percent of Spaniards, according to the latest edition of the ‘Study of Vision in Spain’. .
Astigmatism is a visual problem that occurs when the cornea – the external, transparent layer of the eye that allows light to pass inside and protects the iris and lens – does not present the same curvature in all its areas, having certain areas more inclined or rounded than others.
In this way, the cornea of an eye without astigmatism has practically the same round shape in all its areas, which could resemble a soccer ball. However, in eyes with astigmatism the degree of vertical curvature of the cornea does not coincide with the degree of horizontal curvature, so the cornea is not spherical, which would be similar to a rugby ball.
‘The Vision Study in Spain’ was carried out in 2022 on a representative sample of 2,000 people over 18 years of age with the aim of analyzing the state of visual health in Spanish society.
In that sense, the same study indicates that 91.5 percent of those affected with astigmatism also have another associated refractive error, the most common being myopia or hyperopia.
In addition to the defect to which it is associated, astigmatism can be classified in different ways: simple, when it affects a single axis; the mixed one, when it affects several axes. The regular one, when the main meridians are perpendicular to each other or the irregular one when they are not.
Likewise, people with astigmatism notice their problem more at night and it is usually more common to have greater difficulty perceiving small details at all distances. “The light is focused on more than one point on the retina and not on just one as happens with a normal eye. This causes greater sensitivity to light on the part of those who suffer from it.“, indicated ophthalmologist Fernando Llovet.
For this reason, 30 percent of study participants who suffer from it report feeling limited when driving. When astigmatism is also associated with hyperopia, it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as visual fatigue, redness, itching, stinging or pain in the eyes, a feeling of grit, problems with the change in near and far vision, dizziness and headaches due to overexertion. of the eyes to focus the images.
Among the most common causes of astigmatism are genetics, which is why it is usually present from birth; suffering from other corneal pathologies, such as keratoconus; or for having suffered a corneal injury or trauma. In general, astigmatism can appear at any age and usually remains stable.
Treatment for astigmatism
According to experts, the treatment of astigmatism should be focused on correcting the erroneous refraction of light rays on the retina, so that the patient can perceive the image clearly, both from a distance and up close.
“To do this, glasses or toric contact lenses can be used, with a prescription appropriate to each of the visual defects that the patient suffers from.“Llovet indicated.
In addition, surgery may be used, both laser and intraocular lens. “If it is associated with other defects, the ophthalmologist will determine the most appropriate type of intervention for each case in order to eliminate all refractive problems.“Llovet explained.
In this sense, the LASIK technique is the most widespread within laser refractive surgery to correct refractive problems such as astigmatism. M.T.T (SyM)
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