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Are you asking yourself what is astigmatism and do you have it? Astigmatism is a very common eye condition in which the eye’s surface, or cornea is irregularly shaped. When light passes through the cornea, it is scattered, causing blurred vision at any distance. Astigmatism can range from mild to severe depending on the cause, shape and size. Knowing the symptoms and treatment options for astigmatism can help you to better understand this condition and get your vision back to normal.
Signs & Symptoms for Astigmatism
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision or headaches when trying to focus on a single point. Other signs of astigmatism include:
- Eyestrain and headaches
- Difficulty focusing on a single object
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision at far or near distances
- Squinting when trying to read
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
Depending on the severity of the astigmatism, treatment options include corrective lenses, eyeglasses, and surgery. Corrective lenses provide the most effective way to treat astigmatism. Eyeglasses or contact lenses with special corrective lenses can reduce the amount of light refracted by the eye’s irregular shape, which results in clearer vision.
Health Tips To Help Manage Astigmatism
In addition to proper treatment, healthy lifestyle choices can help to manage astigmatism.
- Eat healthy foods: Eating a healthy diet that includes dark, leafy green vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins is essential for good vision health.
- Stay active: Exercise helps to improve circulation and can help keep the eyes healthy.
- Stop smoking: Smoking has been linked to eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. It can also worsen astigmatism.
- Wear protective eyewear: Wearing sunglasses and hats can help to protect your eyes from UV rays and other eye damage.
- Reduce screen-time: Prolonged periods of time looking at screens can tire and strain your vision. Take breaks and look away from your screens.
Consult With a Medical Professional
If you believe that you may have astigmatism, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional to get a thorough eye exam to determine the cause and the best treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe corrective lenses or surgery depending on the severity of the astigmatism. A medical professional can also provide guidance and tips for maintaining healthy vision and lifestyle.