Can astigmatism in the eyes be corrected with glasses?
Jun 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Astigmatism requires corrective eyewear. When astigmatism occurs, it impairs visual quality, leading to reduced visual acuity and compromised visual function. Therefore, wearing prescription eyeglasses is necessary to improve and correct vision, ensuring normal ocular development and proper refractive status. Accordingly, individuals with astigmatism should visit an ophthalmic optometry clinic for comprehensive refraction and appropriate eyeglass fitting.
Generally, when myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) occurs, vision can be corrected with eyeglasses, enabling clearer vision of distant or near objects. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error in the eye, commonly associated with irregular curvature of the cornea. When astigmatism is present, symptoms such as reduced visual acuity and visual fatigue often occur. So, can glasses be prescribed for astigmatism?
Can glasses be prescribed for astigmatism?
Glasses are indeed necessary for correcting astigmatism. Astigmatism impairs visual quality, leading to decreased visual acuity and compromised visual function. Therefore, wearing corrective spectacles is essential to improve and normalize vision, ensuring healthy ocular development under proper refractive conditions. Accordingly, individuals with astigmatism should visit an ophthalmology clinic or optometry center for comprehensive refraction testing and spectacle fitting. Initially, uncorrected (naked-eye) visual acuity should be measured to determine whether it meets age-appropriate standards.
If the uncorrected visual acuity falls below the expected standard, cycloplegic refraction (using dilating eye drops) is required. Cycloplegia fully relaxes the ciliary muscle, revealing the eye’s true refractive error and allowing for precise refractive correction. After spectacle prescription, corrected visual acuity must be reassessed to verify whether it meets age-appropriate benchmarks. If corrected vision remains substandard, further evaluation is warranted to rule out underlying retinal disorders or amblyopia (lazy eye), followed by prompt treatment of retinal disease and/or amblyopia rehabilitation therapy.
Patients with astigmatism are advised to frequently look into the distance and avoid studying or reading in dim lighting. We hope this information proves helpful.
