Astigmatism Treatment Methods
Dec 17, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Common treatment options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgical interventions. Wearing eyeglasses is the safest option and generally carries no specific adverse effects. For contact lenses, only rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are suitable, as they are the only type capable of correcting astigmatism; however, they are relatively more expensive than soft contact lenses. Surgical options typically include corneal laser surgery or intraocular lens implantation.
Astigmatism primarily affects children, as they are more easily drawn to electronic devices. Prolonged use of such devices can readily induce astigmatism. Therefore, to treat astigmatism, it is essential first to correct unhealthy visual habits and then employ surgical interventions—when appropriate—to restore proper focusing ability of the eyes. Below, we address the question: “How is astigmatism treated?”
How Is Astigmatism Treated?
The management of astigmatism depends on its severity, as determined by the degree of refractive error. Mild astigmatism (under 50 diopters) generally requires no correction, as it is commonly present in many individuals without causing functional impairment. For astigmatism exceeding 50 diopters, optical correction—typically incorporated into prescription eyeglasses—is generally recommended. Patients with astigmatism greater than 150 diopters often experience pronounced subjective symptoms, including double vision (diplopia), reduced visual acuity, and increased visual fatigue when not wearing corrective lenses. Fatigue is particularly severe in patients with against-the-rule astigmatism compared to those with other types.
Thus, correction is clinically necessary in such cases. Standard treatment options include spectacles (eyeglasses), rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, and refractive surgery. Spectacles are the safest option, carrying virtually no specific adverse effects. Among contact lenses, only rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses effectively correct astigmatism; soft contact lenses are unsuitable for this purpose, and RGP lenses tend to be more expensive than soft lenses. Surgical options typically involve corneal laser procedures (e.g., LASIK or PRK); for higher degrees of astigmatism, phakic intraocular lens implantation may be considered.
Additional Information: Causes of Astigmatism
1. Pathological causes: The most common physiological cause of astigmatism is an unequal curvature of the cornea—specifically, greater vertical curvature than horizontal curvature. Pathological conditions affecting the cornea—including keratoconus, peripheral corneal degeneration, or corneal scarring following inflammation—can also induce astigmatism.
2. Habit-related causes: This category of astigmatism usually stems from poor visual habits. Examples include holding reading material too close to the eyes, reading or writing while lying face-down, or prolonged reading under excessively bright or dim lighting conditions—all of which place undue strain on the visual system. Additionally, reading or viewing digital screens (e.g., smartphones or newspapers) in a moving vehicle or subway train significantly stresses the eyes and contributes to the development or worsening of astigmatism.
The above outlines current approaches to treating astigmatism. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
