Mixed astigmatism: causes of development and treatment options

Astigmatism - associated with the violation of normal refraction ophthalmic disease.It is diagnosed in most of us, but the degree of severity, and therefore the symptomatology, can be different. Usually, the disease is inherited from parents. For pathology, the uneven curvature of the crystalline or corneal layer is characteristic in different directions (more and less convex zones appear, which should normally not be). In this review, we will talk about a mixed form of pathology - its features, causes of appearance, symptoms and methods of treatment.

Definition of disease

Mixed astigmatism leads to a violation of the visibility of objects at close and long distances.The main reasons for its development are eye injuries, chronic diseases, weighed weights. Mixed astigmatic disorders are the most complex.

Among all the existing types of astigmatism, it is the mixed one that is the most complex.

For the disease is characterized by two types of refractive distortion - in one meridian there is myopia, and in the second long sight.The picture is focused first before the retina, and then behind it (that is, twice instead of one). It is because of this that it is problematic to correct the violation.

Mixed astigmatism not only disrupts the normal appearance of objects, but is accompanied by severe migraines, rapid fatigue.

In small children astigmatism of a mixed type causes hereditary factors, often the disease does not manifest itself, but together with strabismus.It is very important to find the problem in time in order to prevent more serious violations on the part of the visual system and take the necessary measures.

A child with complication of mixed astigmatism in the form of strabismus

Types and Classifications

The main types of pathology:

1. Physiological- the difference in refraction is up to 1 diopter. On the quality of the visual function, pathology exerts an insignificant influence.
2. Pathological- the index of improper refraction is 1 diopter and more. This form of pathology requires correction.
3. Congenital- the disease is hereditary and manifests itself at the age of 1-2 years.
4. Acquired- This type of mixed astigmatism develops as a result of operations, eye injuries, some infectious diseases, bite problems.

Interesting to know. According to statistics, astigmatism with age remains stable, but in a number of cases its manifestations decrease (more often) or increase (less often).

Depending on the severity of the pathology is weak, strong and moderate. The weak is no more than 3 diopters, and a strong 6 or more.

Causes

Among the causes of mixed astigmatism are:

1. Injuries to the eyes or head.
2. Weighed down by heredity.
3. Congenital defects in the development of the organs of vision (orbital hypertelorism, megalocornea).
4. Operations on the eyes (as a result of surgery, scars may appear).
5. Previously infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Therefore, the eyes must be protected, and at the first alarming bells you should immediately go to the doctor - because in the early stages of treatment will always be simpler, faster, cheaper and more effective.

Did you perform eye surgery? You are at risk for developing mixed astigmatism.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of mixed astigmatism:

1. Constant feeling of fatigue in the eyes, and fatigue occurs quickly, regardless of the load.
2. Decreased visual acuity.
3. Distortion of normal outlines of objects.
4. Difficulties in the precise determination of the degree of remoteness of certain objects.
5. Dizziness, pain in the eyes.

Symptoms of astigmatism

Also, patients often complain of migraines, the inability to focus on the work that requires maximum concentration, nausea.As you can see, the consequences are serious, and the patient's quality of life deteriorates noticeably, so do not delay the visit to the doctor and begin treatment as early as possible.

Possible complications

In the absence of treatment, mixed astigmatism leads to persistent deterioration of vision and may become the main cause of amblyopia development.Amblyopia is a decrease in visual function, which does not respond to optical correction. Effective treatment of pathology is possible only in childhood - in adults, the predictions are not so favorable.

The main complication of mixed astigmatism is amblyopia, that is, deterioration of vision, which can not be corrected by means of contact correction.

Other unpleasant consequences of progressive pathology are double vision, blurriness of the image, its distortion, headaches.Also patients with mixed astigmatism complain of constant eye strain and their rapid fatigue.

Diagnostics

Mixed astigmatism is diagnosed with the help of:

• keratotopography- non-invasive technique used to obtain a topographic map of the anterior surface of the cornea of ​​the eye;

Conduction of keratotopography

• skiascopy- The technique involves the use of a skiascope, that is, a mirror with a handle, one part of which is flat, and the second is convex;
• keratometry- a study that allows to accurately determine the degree of curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea (keratometry is also needed for the correct selection of contact correction agents);
• autorefractometry- one of the most modern methods of determining refraction of the eye, during which an infrared beam of light rays is activated (his doctor directs the retina through the pupil).

Treatment

The earlier treatment of mixed astigmatism is started, the higher the therapeutic results will be.The main methods of correction are contact and surgical.

Contact vision correction

With mixed astigmatism, the main point of contact correction is to change the optical power of the eye - in one direction it should be increased, and in the other it is reduced.In early childhood, with astigmatism only glasses are used, adolescents and adults can be prescribed lenses (optional).

Contact correction of eyesight (glasses and lenses)

Mixed astigmatism glasses or lenses will not cure - these remedies simply help a person to see better. Complete recovery is provided only by laser and surgical correction.

To correct the difference in optical forces, products with a combination of cylindrical and spherical glasses are used.Lenses for treatment are used solid - they correct the degree of curvature of the cornea. To put on such lenses it is necessary for the night.The main disadvantage of lenses is that for correction of astigmatism more than 1.5 diopters they do not fit, because they simply do not give any result.

Surgery

Operations in childhood are not carried out, since for a successful correction the eyeball should be fully formed.

Operations can be performed on the lens and cornea, the main purpose of the intervention is to change the curvature optical system, the restoration of the correct refraction of light to focus the image at one point on the retina. The main options for surgical treatment:

• Astigmatic keratotomy- The doctor makes small incisions on the cornea, due to which her curvature changes. The technique is rather painful, assumes a large recovery period, and its results are 100% guaranteed by no one.

Principle of astigmatic keratotomy

• Lasik- one of the most expensive and effective ways to correct mixed astigmatism. With a special knife (microkeratome), the surgeon creates an incision on the cornea, then he unbends the flap, burns out certain areas of the tissue, and returns the flap to its place.

Prevention

The development of astigmatism can be slowed down or prevented at all by observing appropriate preventive measures.Consider these:

1. Ensure normal lighting of the workplace - it should consist of standard lamps and point devices, make the light fairly bright, but not glare.
2. Adjust the volume of visual loads, take regular breaks, do not ignore gymnastics for the eyes (frequent blinking, alternate look at a near and distant object, rotation, etc.).
3. Massage your eyelids with your fingers, neat circular motions, and your eyes should be closed.

By the way, massage is a simple and effective way of supporting the organs of vision.It normalizes intraocular pressure and relieves fatigue.

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conclusions

Mixed astigmatism can be congenital and acquired - pathology develops as a result of injuries, operations, neglected infectious and inflammatory diseases.Contact correction allows you to see better, but does not cure completely.To prevent the development of astigmatism, regularly do gymnastics, do not forget about breaks during reading, work for computers, watch for high-quality workplace illumination.