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Astigmatism

This is a very common eye condition that is easily treated with corrective lenses. An astigmatism affects the cornea of the eye. This is a transparent, rounded surface that lies atop the colored iris. The shape of the cornea is very important because it effects how the angle at which light enters the eye. The light that passes through the cornea is directed in a way that ensures it is received properly by the retina. The image received by the retina determines the message that will be transmitted to the brain.

Astigmatism is the term that is used to describe a cornea that is not perfectly rounded. Instead, this transparent surface becomes slightly oblong or skewed. Though this is not noticeable to onlookers, an Austin optometrist can detect the minor defect, which can cause the patient to have difficult seeing things clearly at any distance.

Astigmatism is commonly seen in conjunction with both of the following eye conditions.

Myopia

More commonly known as nearsightedness, this condition is seen very regularly in optometrists’ offices. Millions of people in this country have undergone surgical procedures, or must wear corrective lenses regularly to adjust for the vision complication.

Myopia can also be caused by a change in the shape of the cornea, or it can be a result of the entire eyeball taking on a slightly different form. Either way, the light passing through the cornea is angled improperly, so the message received by the brain is jumbled and the result is a blurry outlook. In many cases, myopia is very minor and requires very little correction. However, some people can face severe myopia, making it impossible for them to see anything at a distance without the aid of glasses or contacts.

The symptoms of myopia are very easy to report in adults. The person will notice that objects at a distance – the television screen, road signs, or the black board in class – appear blurred and are difficult to make out. However, in young children, myopia can go untreated for a long period of time because they do not recognize the blurriness as a problem (often, they never knew any differently). Parents and teachers who know the warning signs can help with early detection of the problem. This includes frequent headaches, squinting, difficulty in school, or a habit of sitting very near the television screen.

Hyperopia

When the blurring doesn’t appear off in the distance, but rather when an object is held close to the face – such as a book, newspaper, or puzzle – a person is said to suffer from hyperopia, or farsightedness. An altered shape of the eye or cornea results in light being cast slightly behind the retina, making the image perceived by the brain blurry.

People who suffer from hyperopia will have frequent headaches, difficulty seeing at night, and may complain of aching eyes, if the condition is not treated. Fortunately, glasses and contacts can easily correct for the misshapen eye and allow a person to see clearly again. Lasik procedures are able to correct this defect today as well.

Again, because children are often unaware that blurriness is a problem, parents should be on the look out for red flags, such as headaches, frequent eye rubbing, or trouble reading. Children with hyperopia who are not treated also run the risk of developing strabismus (crossed eyes).

Tech Ridge Vision
500 Canyon Ridge Dr # L350
Austin, TX 78753-1641
(512) 837-3200