Astigmatism is a very common refractive error of the eyes which may present itself as blurry vision and/or tired eyes. It occurs as a result of irregular curvature on the surface of the cornea or in the lens of the eye itself. It is often explained as ‘rugby ball shaped’ eye ball.
Sometimes astigmatism can be inherited but it often happens as a normal characteristic of growth. The blur of astigmatism makes things uncomfortable to look at, difficult to focus on, and may cause headaches, tiredness, and poor concentration.
If you have tired eyes often, you may have Uncorrected Astigmatism. Astigmatism can cause fatigued eyes, especially if you are concentrating on a visual task (reading, computer use, driving) for a long period of time. The eyes tire as they focus back and forth between two slightly different images, trying to find the best compromise. Fatigue also occurs if you squint to see better as the muscles of the eyelids and face become uncomfortable.
It is recommended that all school-aged children have a comprehensive eye examination as Astigmatism often occurs early in life. Trouble focusing and concentrating at school can often be mistaken for a learning difficulty when vision difficulties are the true cause.
Astigmatism is a common condition affecting the eye's shape, it is not a disease. Your friendly optometrist can detect it with an eye examination. They will then advise which of the following treatment options might be right for you:
Prescription glasses
Prescription glasses correct all forms of Astigmatism and smooth the focus across your field of view. Depending on your degree of astigmatism, they may be worn all the time or just when concentrating on a specific task
Contact lenses
A wide range of contact lens technologies are available in both hard and soft materials, including options for extended wear. Lens technology for correcting Astigmatism continues to advance so if you have tried contact lenses unsuccessfully before, consult your Optometrist for the latest options.
Refractive surgery
In certain cases, refractive surgery by an Ophthalmologist may be a permanent solution. Ask your Optometrist for more information and an assessment to see if this is suitable for you.
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