I only wear spectacles when I need to concentrate on my focusing, such as driving, TV or on the computer. Can you explain what astigmatism is so I don't need to worry in future?
A Astigmatism is very common and can be present either on its own or in combination with short or long sightedness.
On your prescription it is represented by the cyl and axis numbers.
If the focussing surfaces of the eye (the cornea and the lens) are spherical in curvature, like a football, then images are focused into a single point in the eye. This is the case in perfect vision, or even in short and long sightedness.
In astigmatism, the curvature of these surfaces is more irregular, curved like a rugby ball, with a short curve and a longer curve.
Because of this difference in curvature at different points on the eye, images are not focused to a single image, but to a range of points. The angle of these irregular curvatures are known as the `axis' of astigmatism.
People with uncorrected astigmatism often see images with a shadow or smudging around them, or distorted images depending on the severity.
Not only does this cause blurred vision, but is a strain on the eyes especially when concentrating on stable or moving images (VDU screens, reading, TV).
Correction is with spectacles or `toric' contact lenses.
Advanced and quickly changing astigmatism may indicate the early stages of keratoconus and requires monitoring.
For a consultation with Martyn, telephone 0161 834 7798
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