Can astigmatism be cured?

Each person has a unique set of genes. The shape of the cornea and lens is also given to us from birth, but not everyone has it consistent with optical standards. This is one of the main reasons for congenital astigmatism, in which a person sees everything in a blurred form and there is no clarity in the image. Today, astigmatism can be cured using various methods. The main thing is to diagnose this pathology in time and stop its progression.

Causes of astigmatism

To understand how to treat astigmatism, you should understand the reasons for its occurrence. In some cases, the problem has existed since birth. Due to the elongated shape of the cornea, the refracted ray of light is focused on the retina at several points. Therefore, the image is perceived unclearly. In other cases, astigmatism may develop:

• as a complication after surgery;
• due to pathological deformation of the cornea (keratoconus, keratoglobus, etc.);
• after injury (appearance of scars on the cornea, displacement of the lens, etc.).

The disease can cause decreased visual acuity, fatigue, frequent headaches and more serious problems, including the development of strabismus and amblyopia.

With proper diagnosis, astigmatism can be cured. There are various correction methods that ensure accurate focusing of the image on the retina, regardless of the shape of the cornea.

Diagnostics of astigmatism

Only an ophthalmologist can tell a patient about astigmatism and how to treat it. He will conduct the necessary studies, for example, a comprehensive tomography of the eyes, determine the extent of the disease and its type. Depending on the results, a diagnosis will be made and methods for treating astigmatism will be determined.

Three degrees of the disease are determined:

1. weak - up to 3 diopters;
2. medium – from 3 to 6 diopters;
3. strong – above 6 diopters.

Treatment of astigmatism without surgery is possible for grades 1 and 2. The symptoms of this diagnosis are subtle, and wearing glasses or contacts may be sufficient to improve the quality of vision. In case of high degree of refractive error, surgical intervention is recommended.

How to cure astigmatism

By its nature, astigmatism can be congenital or acquired. In addition, it may be accompanied by myopia or hyperopia, and sometimes both diseases at the same time. Is astigmatism treated in adults? Undoubtedly, but for this you need to regularly visit ophthalmologist and follow all his recommendations.

Types of correction for astigmatism

Eye gymnastics or any medications will not help here, as astigmatism is treated either with correction (glasses, lenses), or microsurgical operations using a laser.

• Glasses with cylindrical lenses. They significantly improve the quality of vision, but diagnostic accuracy is important here. If glasses are chosen incorrectly, they will only worsen the patient's condition. You must understand that glasses only restore the correct refraction of the eyes.
• Soft toric contact lenses. They are more comfortable than glasses, but require constant attention and proper care. Lenses provide vision correction, while astigmatism is treated, and completely, through surgery.
• Orthokeratological, or night, lenses. Hard lenses are worn at night. They fit tightly to the cornea, changing the radius of curvature, so that the next day the person has normal vision. An important condition: the patient must wear these lenses every evening or every other night. Otherwise, the effect will be neutralized, and the visual impairment will return.

Glasses and contact lenses do not treat astigmatism, but only temporarily compensate for deviations in the refraction of light by the optical system of the eyes.

Surgical treatment

Any degree of refractive error can be corrected using excimer laser vision correction. Microsurgery changes the radius of curvature of the corneal surface using a laser beam. The greatest effect in the treatment of astigmatism with laser correction is achieved using the LASIK method.

His general principle:

• separation of a flap of the cornea to open access to its middle layers;
• removal of part of the corneal tissue with a laser to give it an optically correct shape;
• restoration of the integrity of the corneal surface.

The entire operation is performed under local anesthesia and takes 10-15 minutes. Discomfort in the eyes disappears 1-2 hours after the procedure. And after a week, the patient’s vision is restored completely and forever.