Astigmatism in adults: the course of the disease, complications, symptoms and treatment

Astigmatism is a disease of the visual system that develops due to changes in the shape of the cornea. If in norm the rays of light are focused on the retina, then with astigmatism they do not fall on it. Man sees objects, but is blurry, indistinct, in distorted proportions. The main goal of astigmatism treatment is restoration of normal focusing of rays on the retina. Since often this disease is accompanied by hyperopia or nearsightedness, doctors often prescribe a comprehensive correction of vision. About the symptoms, causes, possible complications and methods of treatment of astigmatism - further.

Definition of disease

Astigmatism is a common visual impairment, accompanied by a lack of a focus point.As a result, a person sees objects blurred and distorted, no matter how far away from him they are.This is due to violations in the optical configuration of the eye apparatus - they manifest themselves as uneven curvature of the cornea or an irregular lens shape.

Defocus of vision is observed if the lens has an irregular shape or the curvature of the cornea is uneven.

The cornea should look like a curved hemisphere - like a half of a soccer ball.In a healthy eye it is even and has a uniform bend in all directions, and with astigmatism, the cornea is more strongly bent in one direction and has an uneven surface and an oval shape.When light hits the "wrong" cornea, it focuses in an arbitrary order, and not at one point on the retina. The result is a blurred vision, a distorted image.

Causes

Deformational processes in the cornea, leading to visual impairments, cause different factors. Consider these:

1. Heredity- often astigmatism is inherent in nature and manifests itself at an early age. Therefore, if one of the parents has this disease, it is more likely that it will be diagnosed in the child.
2. Injury- Astigmatism can develop as a result of eye trauma. If the lens or cornea is scratched or damaged in another way, a scar is formed, and the structure of the eye changes.
3. Infections- Various infectious diseases can also cause scarring of the lens and cornea.
4. Operations- modern microsurgery is not perfect, therefore any surgical intervention can lead to complications. The most common - the formation of scars.
5. Keratoconus- or corneal dystrophy. The keratotonus is expressed in a change in the structure and shape of the corneal part, as a result of which it is stretched. The disease is rare, but it is impossible to exclude the possibility of its occurrence.

Also in the risk zone, patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, dentofacial system deformities and anomalies in the structure of the upper jaw.

Since astigmatism is often an inherited pathology, parents with a corresponding diagnosis should carefully monitor the state of their child's visual system.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of astigmatism:

1. Astenopia- characterized by rapid fatigue, a feeling of sand in the eyes.
2. "Intolerance" of corrective glasses and, as a result, their frequent replacement.
3. Defocusing of vision, blurry image.
4. Redness of the eyes, accompanied by pain and burning.
5. Doubling while working at a computer or while reading.

The main danger of the disease is that in its early stages, its symptoms are not very specific - the ailment is manifested by a slight defocusing of the eyes, which is usually taken for usual fatigue.Therefore, take care of your health and check your eyes regularly with an ophthalmologist.

Symptoms of astigmatism in the early stages (fuzzy image, burning, sand in the eyes) are often mistaken for general eye fatigue.

Possible complications

Complications of astigmatism - amblyopia (a symptom of a "lazy eye") and strabismus.Since the disease significantly reduces the severity and overall quality of vision, it leads to aggravation of hypermeotrophy or myopia.Progressive astigmatism (develops in the absence of treatment) is the main cause of severe erosion in the eyes and constant headaches.

Treatment

Correction of vision with astigmatism is made in three ways - medicamentous, surgical and with the help of special lenses. Treatment with folk remedies does not make sense.

Medication Therapy

Medications completely get rid of astigmatism will not help you.The main task of drug therapy is the improvement of microcirculation, the activation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the eye and the suspension of the development of the disease.Medical courses must be taken every 4-6 months, a doctor appoints a drop after diagnosis. In addition, vitamin preparations can be used.

Medical treatment of astigmatism is, rather, support of the visual system.

Surgery

If the correction of astigmatism by optical means is not possible, keratotomy - an operation in which a few scalpels are made on the cornea with a scalpel notches.As a result, a strong peripheral meridian weakens, and visual acuity is restored.

The most correct methods of correction of vision with astigmatism - keratotomy and laser correction.

Laser correction is performed with astigmatism up to ± 3-4 D.The most effective method is considered to be Lasik.Operation Lasik takes 5-7 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia. The doctor separates the thin layer of the cornea, evaporates the laser part of the cornea (pointwise) to a given depth, and then returns the separated layer to the place. The epithelium is restored independently, therefore it is not necessary to impose seams.

Technique of Lasik

Lens Correction

Correction of vision with astigmatism can be carried out with the help of glasses and contact lenses. The doctor selects the glasses individually, combining cylindrical and spherical lenses.Contact lenses are used toric. Remember that correction is not a cure, but it can increase visual acuity.

With a strong astigmatism, wearing glasses is contraindicated - they can cause severe visual discomfort, severe dizziness. Use contact lenses.

Prevention

Prevention of astigmatism is a careful attitude to your health and timely detection of symptoms.Regularly undergo examinations with an ophthalmologist (even if you are not worried about anything), alternate sleep and rest regimes, do special gymnastics to relieve tension. Always treat inflammation of the eyes and protect the eyes from injury.

Is the diagnosis of astigmatism placed on the child? He must undergo preventive examinations at the children's polyclinic. Observe all the recommendations of the doctor - they will help to avoid the development of complications in the future.

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conclusions

Astigmatism is a common ophthalmologic disease, which is accompanied by a sharp, burning sensation in the eyes, a decrease in the clarity of vision. It arises as a result of injuries, past infections, operations before the eyes, against a background of various diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), the hereditary factor also plays a role. Cure astigmatism can only be surgically, as a supportive therapy prescribed medication, to correct vision use lenses and glasses.

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