Astigmatism 101: Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Astigmatism is a common vision problem that can cause eyesight to become blurry, fuzzy, or distorted. This happens when either the cornea or the lens of the eye is misshapen, preventing light rays from being properly refracted. This causes many people to experience squinting, eyestrain, headaches, and eye irritation, in addition to blurry vision at any distance. Fortunately, the prognosis for many patients diagnosed with astigmatism is good.

Causes and Risk Factors for Astigmatism

While scientists know that an irregularly shaped cornea or lens causes the symptoms of astigmatism, what actually causes that irregularity is unknown. Often, people who develop it are born with it, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the risk for developing it is inherited. Astigmatism can also occur as a result of an eye injury, surgery, or disease. But contrary to popular belief, squinting, reading in poor light, sitting too close to the TV, and similar activities do not cause astigmatism.

While many people are born with astigmatism, it can develop at any time during childhood or adulthood. Those at highest risk have a family history of astigmatism or other conditions of the eye. Additional risk factors include thinning or scarring of the cornea, a history of cataract surgery or other eye surgeries in the family, and excessive nearsightedness or farsightedness, which lead to blurred vision.

Astigmatism Treatment

Although the cause of the misshapen cornea or lens isn’t known, ophthalmologists can offer patients a great outlook when it comes to treating the condition. In mild cases, no treatment is needed at all, but astigmatism does need to be addressed when it begins affecting vision. Treatment usually includes corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses , although some patients may benefit from Ortho-K, specially designed lenses that temporarily correct the problem when worn. In severe cases, patients may need to undergo surgery to reshape the cornea for a permanent correction.

See Your Doctor

The optometrists and ophthalmologists at Excellent Vision have helped countless patients treat their blurry vision and eyestrain caused by astigmatism. If you have been experiencing fuzzy eyesight, eye irritation, or difficulty seeing at night, call us at 603-430-5225 to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

What Is Glaucoma and How Is It Treated?

Glaucoma begins with fluid building up in the front of the eye. As the extra fluid increases pressure within the eye, the optic nerve is damaged. Although blindness from glaucoma often can be prevented by early treatment, the disease continues to be a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. Glaucoma treatment includes eye drops, pills, laser treatment, and traditional surgery, or a combination of these methods.

Eye Drops

As stated by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the pressure within the eye can be reduced by eye drops. Some types of drops achieve this by increasing drainage of fluid from the eye. Others help decrease the amount of fluid created in the eye. It is vital that all medications be taken precisely as prescribed.

Oral Medication

Pills, which may be prescribed in support of eye drops, also reduce the production of fluid within the eye. Since pills and eye drops are taken up to four times a day, all of the patient's doctors must be informed of these prescriptions to avoid potentially harmful interactions.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery has grown in popularity as a step in between medication and traditional surgery. The most frequent procedure for glaucoma treatment is a trabeculoplasty, which is painless and requires mere minutes in an outpatient facility or doctor's office. During the procedure, a beam of high-energy light is used to alter the eye's drainage system so that fluid is eliminated more efficiently. Usually, any complications from the laser are minimal.

Traditional Eye Surgery

If eye drops, pills, and laser surgery fail to decrease pressure within an eye, conventional eye surgery may be the only alternative. The most common of these surgeries is a trabeculectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon opens a passage in the white part of the eye to drain excess fluid, then creates a flap that allows fluid to escape without deflating the eyeball.

Additional types of laser and conventional surgeries are available, each one depending on the condition of the eye.

The specialists at Excellent Vision are here to help with your eye care and glaucoma treatment. Please call us at 603-430-5225 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.

4 Things You Didn't Know Your Eye Exam Checks For

Anyone who has had an eye exam knows that the eye doctor checks for healthy vision. However, most people don't know that a comprehensive eye exam can also reveal these other conditions.

1. Thyroid Disease

Bulging or protruding eyeballs are a symptom of thyroid disease, also known as Graves disease. An eye doctor may be able to diagnose this problem early to prevent it from worsening.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes may cause a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, in which capillaries in the eye release blood or a yellowish fluid. This will be easily visible during an eye exam.

3. High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can be diagnosed during an eye exam if the cornea is yellow or has a yellow ring around it. In addition, blood vessels in the retina may show plaque buildup.

4. Tumors

Believe it or not, an eye doctor may be able to detect tumors in the neck or brain from a simple eye exam. Early detection can be a lifesaver, so be sure to get your eyes checked regularly.