Subject | Contents |
Definition | Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea of the eye is asymmetrically curved, causing out-of-focus vision.
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors | The cause of astigmatism is unknown. It is usually present from birth, and often occurs together with nearsightedness or farsightedness . A minor degree of astigmatism is considered normal and does not require correction. Astigmatism is very common. |
Symptoms | Difficulty in seeing fine detail, either close-up or from a distance. |
Signs and tests | Astigmatism is easily diagnosed by a standard ophthalmic exam with refraction test . Special tests are not usually required. Children or others who cannot respond to questions can have their refractive error measured by a test using reflected light called retinoscopy. |
Treatment | Glasses or hard contact lenses will correct astigmatism. Soft contact lenses do not work as well. |
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Expectations (prognosis) | Vision is usually normal with the correct glasses or contact lenses. |
Complications | There are complications associated with contact lenses (including the risk of corneal abrasion ), which may develop if contact lenses are used. Unequal astigmatism may cause amblyopia . |
Calling your health care provider | Call for an appointment with the health care provider or ophthalmologist if vision problems worsen or do not improve with glasses or contact lenses. |
Prevention | |
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