Astigmatism, also known as non-astigmatism, is a visual defect affecting more than 30% of the world's population. The problem is related to the distortion of the eyeball - specifically, the cornea or lens. Patients experience it as image curvature, deterioration in sharpness and contrast sensitivity. The defect is treated conservatively with glasses or contact lenses. For several years there has also been the possibility of laser correction of astigmatism.
Which astigmatism treatment method should I choose?
As mentioned, astigmatism can currently be treated by three methods. Patients can choose from corrective glasses with cylindrical lenses, toric contact lenses, as well as laser treatment. What exactly do these methods consist of? Below is a brief explanation of each.
Glasses for astigmatism
Glasses are one of the most popular methods to correct astigmatism.
What do they rely on? Well, a clear image with adequate sharpness is formed when light rays are focused on a single point. In the case of astigmatism, due to abnormal curvature of the cornea or, less commonly, the lens, this is impossible. Eyeglasses for this vision defect are meant to compensate for inequalities, so ordinary glasses are insufficient here. However, cylindrical glasses, so called because of their shape, work well. The special design makes them refract light differently in horizontal and vertical sections. The specific power of the cylinder and its axis, marked from 0 to 180 degrees, is adjusted according to the severity of the defect. All these elements make the patient regain visual acuity.
Does astigmatism require wearing glasses permanently? Not always. With a slight visual defect of up to approx. 1 diopter, you only need to wear them for reading, studying or computer work.
Lenses for astigmatism
Cylindrical toric lenses are also used for astigmatism, which can correct almost 100% of cases of this visual defect. Such a lens has different refractive powers vertically and horizontally to correct the typical abnormality of astigmatism.
Unlike spherical lenses, or regular contact lenses, toric lenses do not have the same thickness over their entire surface. It is different in different places, so they must be worn in the right position to correct the curvature of the eye. Proper positioning is ensured by special contouring - stabilizing zones and areas where the lens is slightly heavier to prevent it from moving during eye movement.
Modern lenses for astigmatism are made of soft silicone-hydrogel material. As a result, they provide adequate lubrication to the eye and exhibit high oxygen permeability, preventing hypoxia and minimizing the sensation of dry eye.
Glasses or lenses - which is better for astigmatism?
Many patients wonder what will work better for astigmatism - glasses or lenses? The answer to this question depends on daily habits and personal preferences.
The advantage of the glasses is that they can be put on and taken off quickly. In addition, the eyes have access to oxygen and rest. Unfortunately, cylindrical glasses have thick and rather heavy lenses that can attract attention and intimidate their owners. They are also strongly noticeable on the nose, that is, not very comfortable, which is especially noticeable at the beginning of wearing them. A limited field and angle of view can also be mentioned as a disadvantage, when the patient looks down, to the side or up - the image is blurred.
Toric lenses, on the other hand, are indistinct and lightweight. It is also convenient that they can be purchased in several expiration date options. Choose from daily, biweekly, monthly, quarterly and annual lenses. Their modern design makes them filter the air well - so the eye can breathe freely and is protected from harmful external factors. The need to place a foreign body in the eye can be considered a disadvantage, which generates resistance among many people.
Laser correction of astigmatism
In addition to lenses and glasses, patients have a third option, laser vision correction. The treatment has the advantage over the two aforementioned methods in that it corrects the defect itself, rather than just correcting its symptoms. Thus, in addition to improving vision, it also counteracts the aggravation of astigmatism.
Although the word surgery sounds serious, in this case it is a minimally invasive procedure that does not even require anesthesia or a long stay in a medical facility. The laser astigmatism correction procedure takes several minutes, is carried out under local anesthesia and involves shaping the cornea using laser beams.Of course, the success of the entire procedure is influenced by many factors, including one of the most important - an experienced medical team performing the procedure. For this reason, it is worth choosing a proven clinic and a trustworthy specialist. Therefore, we invite all patients interested in the correction of vision defects, including astigmatism, to our clinic in Krakow - Voigt Eye Clinic.