How is congenital astigmatism treated?

Many people today suffer from astigmatism. The primary causes include improper and excessive use of the eyes, leading to refractive errors and abnormal corneal curvature. When astigmatism is present, individuals commonly experience symptoms such as decreased visual acuity, eye strain, strabismus, photophobia, and excessive tearing. So, how is congenital astigmatism treated?

How is congenital astigmatism treated?

Congenital astigmatism requires prompt, comprehensive evaluation at a hospital. If amblyopia is present, corrective glasses must be prescribed following cycloplegic refraction to treat the amblyopia and improve vision. In adulthood, surgical correction may be considered for astigmatism up to approximately 5.00 diopters. Therefore, maintaining good ocular hygiene during childhood and adolescence is essential. Efforts should also be made to minimize the development of acquired astigmatism—primarily by reducing the amount of time spent using digital devices or reading with eyes closed.

If astigmatism is severe, it is crucial to assess for coexisting amblyopia, as high astigmatism significantly increases the risk of amblyopia—once established, amblyopia becomes much more difficult to treat. Routine eye health maintenance is vital. Even after optical correction (e.g., with glasses or contact lenses), regular ophthalmologic examinations are necessary to monitor changes in refractive status. Prolonged near work and chronic sleep deprivation must be avoided.

In daily life, patients should maintain a positive mindset, actively cooperate with their physicians’ treatment plans, take prescribed medications as directed (in terms of both dosage and timing), and adhere to appropriate self-care measures—thereby facilitating timely clinical improvement. We hope this response has been helpful to you.