astigmatism treatment by refined trans prk

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is irregularly shaped or sometimes because of the curvature of the lens inside the eye.

An irregularly shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. This can lead to eye discomfort and headaches. Most people have some degree of astigmatism. Slight astigmatism usually doesn’t affect vision or require treatment.

Astigmatism frequently occurs with other vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Together these vision conditions are referred to as refractive errors because they affect how the eyes bend or “refract” light. The specific cause of astigmatism is unknown. It can be hereditary and is usually present from birth. It can decrease or increase over time.

A comprehensive optometric examination will include testing for astigmatism. If necessary, your optometrist can provide eyeglasses or contact lenses that correct the astigmatism by altering the way light enters the eyes.

How is astigmatism diagnosed?

An optometrist can diagnose an astigmatism through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing for astigmatism measures how the eyes focus light and determines the power of any optical lenses needed to improve vision. This examination may include:

• Visual acuity: When you read letters on a distance chart, you are measuring your visual acuity.
• Keratometry/Topography-A keratometer is the primary instrument used to measure the curvature of the cornea. By focusing a circle of light on the cornea and measuring its reflection, it is possible to determine the exact curvature of that area of the cornea’s surface. This measurement is particularly critical in determining the proper fit for contact lenses. A corneal topographer, which is gaining use, generates a contour map of the cornea and provides even more detail of the cornea’s shape.
• Refraction: Using an instrument called a phoropter, your optometrist places a series of lenses in front of your eyes and measures how they focus light.
• With the information from these tests, your optometrist can determine if you have astigmatism. Once testing is complete, your optometrist can discuss treatment options.

How is astigmatism treated?

People with astigmatism have several options to regain clear vision. They include:

• People with astigmatism primarily choose eyeglasses to improve their vision. The eyeglasses contain a special cylindrical lens prescription that compensates for the astigmatism. This provides additional power in specific parts of the lens.
• Contact lenses. Some people will have better vision with contact lenses rather than eyeglasses. Contact lenses may provide clearer vision and a wider field of view. However, since contact lenses are worn directly on the eyes, they require regular cleaning and care to safeguard eye health.
• Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves the fitting of a series of rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea. The patient wears contact lenses for limited periods, such as overnight, and then removes them. People with moderate astigmatism may be able to temporarily obtain clear vision without lenses for most of their daily activities. Orthokeratology does not permanently improve vision.

Refined trans PRK is the latest therapy technique for astigmatism. In this method, the cornea is completely modified to treat astigmatism. In this method, the laser radiation for each patient is adjusted individually based on demographic parameters (such as age and sex) and individual optical characteristics. The results of treatment of astigmatism have improved significantly due to the adaptation of the operating conditions to the patient’s condition. So that the success rate of surgery and visual acuity in these individuals has increased dramatically.

Reference:

https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/astigmatism