Astigmatism
Symptoms
- Headaches
- The need to take a shower
- Eye strain
Diagnostics
Determined by routine eye examination
Treatment
- Glasses
- Astigmatic contact lenses
- Eye surgery
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is both a common and easily overcome problem. Most people with astigmatism wear glasses or astigmatic contact lenses. To find the best solution for you, visit your eye specialist
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
Most people who wear glasses also have some form of astigmatism. In more advanced stages, or without treatment, the following symptoms may occur:
- Headaches;
- The need to squint to see more clearly;
- Eye strain or fatigue when doing tasks that take longer, such as reading a book or looking at a computer screen.
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually congenital, but it can also develop over the course of life due to age-related changes. It is not clear why this happens, but it is most likely related to genetics. In addition, if you are nearsighted or farsighted, you are also more likely to have astigmatism. Astigmatism can develop after:
- Eye injuries;
- Eye surgery;
- Eye diseases.
How is astigmatism diagnosed?
Astigmatism can first be detected by a simple ray-figure test. However, the eye care professional’s office is equipped with modern equipment that can detect and diagnose even a small degree of astigmatism.
What help is available?
In many cases, astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, astigmatic contact lenses (called toric lenses) or even surgery.
Your eye specialist can identify astigmatism during a routine eye examination and recommend the best correction option for you.
Take care of your eyes!
Visit your nearest Optikos pasaulio showroom or register for an ophthalmologist consultation at Familia Clinica in Vilnius (Nemenčinės pl. 4D) and get a 15% discount with your Optikos pasaulio loyalty card.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have astigmatism?
Only eye care professionals can identify and assess astigmatism and select the right glasses or contact lenses for your individual needs. Astigmatism can first be detected by a simple ray tracing test. However, the eye care professional’s office is equipped with modern equipment that can detect and diagnose even a small degree of astigmatism.
Why should I wear astigmatic glasses or astigmatic contact lenses?
Astigmatics can have stable and clear vision by wearing specially designed astigmatism correcting glasses or contact lenses. These are different from normal (spherical) glasses or contact lenses. You may have heard of “toric” glasses or “toric” contact lenses. In addition to providing stable vision, toric glasses or astigmatic contact lenses eliminate headaches, the risk of eye inflammation (blepharitis) or visual impairment by reducing eye strain.
Why have astigmatic glasses or contact lenses not been recommended to me before ?
In the past, it was quite difficult to diagnose astigmatism accurately. Due to the complexity of manufacturing technology, special astigmatic lenses were a rarity. Today, almost all opticians’ surgeries and opticians’ offices are equipped with special devices that allow them to diagnose astigmatism in minutes. Not only spectacles but also astigmatic contact lenses are now readily available. They are as easy to use and comfortable as regular spherical contact lenses.
Can simple spherical glasses or contact lenses be used to correct astigmatism?
If you have astigmatism, regular spherical lenses will only partially improve your vision. Of course, you will see better, but your vision will not be as good as it could be. That’s because lenses made to correct astigmatism focus the light rays in your eyes differently than spherical lenses – and that’s exactly what you need.
