How’s your vision? Can you see properly? Have you ever heard of astigmatism before?
Astigmatism is one of the most common vision problems that people don’t realize they may have. You may have been born with it or may have come up later in life due to an injury, disease, or accident. It can present a lot of challenges when it comes to seeing clearly.
But is astigmatism permanent? Can astigmatism get worse? Keep reading to learn more about the issue, what causes it to worsen, and how you can find treatment.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an eye condition whereby the cornea (or sometimes the lens), which is responsible for focusing light has an irregular shape. This irregular shape means that the light does not converge into a point. Instead, it is spread across the back of the eye unevenly. This means that some parts of the image are focused while other parts of the image are blurred, thus creating a distorted image.
Astigmatism can affect both far vision and near vision and can result in problems such as:
- headaches
- eyestrain
- squinting
- blurred vision
- difficulty seeing at night
Can Astigmatism Get Worse?
Yes, astigmatism can get worse. It is usually a gradual process due to changes in the shape of the eye as a result of aging, illness, or injuries.
It can also occur if eyeglass lenses are not properly fitted or if contact lenses are worn too tightly. Astigmatism can become worse if existing glasses or contact lenses are not replaced as vision changes and if regular eye exams and follow-up care are neglected.
Symptoms of Worsening Astigmatism
People with astigmatism may experience a gradual worsening of the condition over time, but many cases can remain stable for years. Symptoms of worsening astigmatism even while wearing corrective eyeglasses include:
- frequent headaches
- eye strain
- double vision
- difficulty seeing clearly at either far or near distances
When it worsens, astigmatism can cause eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, and a feeling of having to constantly squint to see clearly.
Prevention Strategies for Slowing Astigmatism
Make sure you get regular check-ups with an optician or ophthalmologist. This helps ensure any vision changes or symptoms are identified early and treated accordingly. Wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses that are appropriate for individuals with astigmatism can also slow the development of astigmatism.
Practice healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. Avoid straining your eyes, practice the 20-20-20 rule. Have. break for 20 minutes and for 20 seconds, peek at something 20 feet away.
Potential Treatments for Deteriorating Astigmatism
One of the most popular is laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. It involves using a laser to reshape the cornea to its normal curvature. LASIK may also be used in combination with eyeglasses to achieve improved vision. Research successful Lasik surgery guidelines to improve the quality of vision.
Another treatment option is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). It involves reshaping the cornea with a laser and may also involve the use of an implantable contact lens. Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) are another procedure that redistributes the corneal curvature to reduce or improve astigmatism. Lastly, intravitreal injections of pharmaceuticals such as bevacizumab and ranibizumab are also used to reduce astigmatism.
Don’t Wait for Your Astigmatism to Get Worse Take Action Today
Can astigmatism get worse? Yes! Especially without proper eye care. Regular and comprehensive eye exams can help detect changes in your vision and correct them accordingly. If you experience any blurry or distorted vision, contact your doctor for an eye assessment.
Don’t wait, contact your doctor today!
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Rockey is a passionate writer and educator with a deep interest in fostering innovative learning experiences. With a background in digital marketing, he is dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology and education. His expertise lies in providing insightful and informative content on various educational topics, ranging from online learning platforms to pedagogical strategies. Through his writing, he aims to inspire educators and learners alike to embrace new approaches and tools that enhance the educational journey.
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