How to Treat Astigmatism?

Astigmatism affects millions of people worldwide, leading to blurred vision and visual discomfort. This common refractive error happens when the cornea, the eye's clear front surface, is not perfectly round.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism is usually present at birth and can appear alongside other vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). The condition occurs because light rays do not focus evenly on the retina, leading to distorted vision. Symptoms often include:

• Blurred or wavy vision

• Eye strain or fatigue, especially during visual tasks

• Headaches due to prolonged eye exertion

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night

Corrective Lenses

The most common and straightforward treatment for astigmatism is the use of corrective lenses, which may include both glasses and contact lenses.

Glasses

Eyeglasses fitted with cylindrical lenses are specifically designed for individuals with astigmatism. For instance, if you have a cylinder value of -2.00D for astigmatism, your glasses will be tailored to correct this curvature, helping focus light onto the retina more accurately. Many people find relief with new lens designs, such as high-index lenses, which can be thinner and lighter, improving comfort.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses offer another solution, with options including soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Toric contact lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism, having different strengths in various orientations to align with the unique shape of your cornea. Research indicates that toric lenses provide up to 20% sharper vision compared to regular soft lenses for astigmatism.

Lasik

LASIK is a common surgery to fix astigmatism. A laser reshapes the cornea so light focuses correctly on the retina, often reducing or removing the need for glasses or contacts. It works well for people with mild to moderate astigmatism. However, LASIK has some risks. Some people may get dry eyes, glare, halos, or trouble seeing at night after surgery. In rare cases, vision may not improve enough or may change over time, needing more treatment. Not everyone qualifies for LASIK—things like corneal thickness, eye health, and how much astigmatism you have matter. An eye exam will help decide if LASIK is right for you.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

While corrective lenses and surgery are primary treatments, some lifestyle choices can support better eye health.

• Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can have positive effects on eye health. Foods such as carrots, spinach, fish, and nuts are excellent choices.

• Screen Time Management: To avoid eye strain, practicing the 20-20-20 rule is beneficial. This rule suggests taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes of screen use, reducing fatigue and improving focus.

Book Now