*Floating**Angel*
05-06-2006, 07:50 PM
?What is it
Astigmatism results from variations or irregularities in the curvature of the cornea or lens. In the astigmatic eye, the cornea is oval or football-shaped as compared to the normal cornea, which is round. In the astigmatic eye, the variations in the curvature of the cornea prevent all the light rays of a source from focusing at a single point, thus causing blurred vision. Astigmatism is a common problem; in many people it is mild and does not need correction. It is thought to be hereditary and runs in families. Astigmatism may also occur with other refractive disorders; approximately half of all nearsighted people, for example, also have astigmatism.
Astigmatism can also be acquired due to certain diseases and disorders. These include keratoconus, chalazion, drooping eyelid and lenticonus, among others.
Symptoms
blurred vision, both near and distant
eye strain, headaches
frequent squinting, which may occur as a result of eye strain and headache
What your doctor looks for
Blurred portions on vision testing as detected in an eye exam.
Treatment
Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, certain contact lenses or surgery.
When to call your doctor
Schedule an eye exam if your vision is blurred or if your child complains of blurred vision, eye strain or headache.
Prognosis
Astigmatism may increase slowly as a person ages but usually remains stable throughout life. The prognosis for excellent vision is good for people with astigmatism with glasses or contact lenses alone, unless it is caused by certain eye diseases and disorders such as keratoconus..
Additional information
For more information about astigmatism, you can contact:
http://www.nei.nih.gov
at http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/organizations.htm.
http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu/
http://www.aao.org
Astigmatism results from variations or irregularities in the curvature of the cornea or lens. In the astigmatic eye, the cornea is oval or football-shaped as compared to the normal cornea, which is round. In the astigmatic eye, the variations in the curvature of the cornea prevent all the light rays of a source from focusing at a single point, thus causing blurred vision. Astigmatism is a common problem; in many people it is mild and does not need correction. It is thought to be hereditary and runs in families. Astigmatism may also occur with other refractive disorders; approximately half of all nearsighted people, for example, also have astigmatism.
Astigmatism can also be acquired due to certain diseases and disorders. These include keratoconus, chalazion, drooping eyelid and lenticonus, among others.
Symptoms
blurred vision, both near and distant
eye strain, headaches
frequent squinting, which may occur as a result of eye strain and headache
What your doctor looks for
Blurred portions on vision testing as detected in an eye exam.
Treatment
Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, certain contact lenses or surgery.
When to call your doctor
Schedule an eye exam if your vision is blurred or if your child complains of blurred vision, eye strain or headache.
Prognosis
Astigmatism may increase slowly as a person ages but usually remains stable throughout life. The prognosis for excellent vision is good for people with astigmatism with glasses or contact lenses alone, unless it is caused by certain eye diseases and disorders such as keratoconus..
Additional information
For more information about astigmatism, you can contact:
http://www.nei.nih.gov
at http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/organizations.htm.
http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu/
http://www.aao.org