What Is An Astigmatism Refraction And How To Treat It
Often times an individual that has an eye astigmatism refraction thinks that it can be caused by eye disease, damage or health problems. However what most people do not realize is that it’s not due to any of the aforementioned problems. Because this condition can be a little difficult to understand it is important to know what the real cause of an astigmatism refraction is and how to treat it.
For those who do not know what an astigmatism refraction please allow me to explain. This kind of condition occurs when light does not enter the eye properly. This means when light enters a person’s eye it should be in a single line or what is called a single focus. But when someone has astigmatism there can be multiple points of light focus in the eye which in turn causes blurred vision.
Now depending on whether or not the multiple light focus happens in front of, or behind, the retina that will determine if a person is nearsighted or farsighted. If the light refraction happens in front of the retina then a person is considered to be farsighted. If the light refraction happens behind the retina that a person is considered to be nearsighted.
There are three different types of astigmatism that a person can be diagnosed with. The first type of astigmatism is Myopic, the second is Hyperopic and the third is Mixed.
If a person is considered Myopic then that means that they are not able to see far off but they can see things close to them and this diagnosis would be the same for both of their eyes. If they are considered Hyperoptic then that means they are not able to see close to them but they can see far off in the distance. This diagnosis also would be for both of their eyes. If an individual is considered to have a mixed diagnosis with their astigmatism then that means that in one eye they are able to see far off but not close up. In their opposite eye, they are able to see close up but not far away.
It is important to have your eyes examined regularly and it is also important to have them checked for astigmatisms. Early diagnosis of astigmatisms can prevent the eye from becoming permanently damaged. A doctor can utilize several instruments and lenses to determine if a person has astigmatism or not. If the instruments and lenses don’t work then they can use an alternative technique with a phoropter. This requires the doctor to use a “clock dial” or “sunburst” chart to determine the astigmatic axis and power.
Once all of the necessary information has been gathered then they can treat astigmatism with glasses or contact lenses that contain the appropriate amount of medication to help the individual to see better. For individuals who do not want to utilize glasses or contacts then doctors can also perform refractive surgery which is better known as Lasik surgery to improve a person’s vision.
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