Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors of the eye, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite its frequency, many people do not fully understand what astigmatism is, how it manifests, or how it can be corrected. At CristalesGafas, we explain everything you need to know.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or the lens of the eye. Instead of having a perfectly spherical shape (like a football), the cornea or lens has a more oval or elongated shape (like a rugby ball). This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be congenital (present from birth) or can develop over time. The main causes include:
- Genetics: A family history of astigmatism increases the likelihood of developing it.
- Eye injuries: Injuries that alter the shape of the cornea can cause astigmatism.
- Eye surgery: Some surgical procedures can induce astigmatism.
- Keratoconus: A condition in which the cornea progressively thins and takes on a cone shape.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
The most common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Eye strain and discomfort when focusing
- Headaches, especially after reading or working on screens
- Squinting to try to see more clearly
- Difficulty seeing at night
How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed through a complete eye examination performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This examination includes visual acuity tests and measurements of corneal curvature. It is important to have regular eye check-ups to detect any refractive errors early.
Correction and Treatment of Astigmatism
The good news is that astigmatism is easily corrected with the right glasses. At CristalesGafas, we manufacture toric lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism — lenses that have two different curvatures to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea. Our specialist optometrists will help you find the most comfortable and effective lenses for your prescription.