Earlier when any child would wear glasses, elders used to say, “you must be watching TV a lot. That’s why you are wearing glasses at an early age. Don’t watch TV.” But today every second child is wearing glasses. It is true that the screen time has taken a front seat no matter how hard we try. We cannot blame the kids all the time for screen time. They have to use the Internet for their studies, school projects etc. But not every child who is wearing glasses has a week eyesight or screen time is not the culprit every time. There is something called Astigmatism that is becoming a common cause for kids wearing glasses. How many of you have heard this term? Those who are aware of this know it has nothing to do with watching TV or playing video games. Astigmatism is a very common but probably the most misunderstood vision problem. For those who haven’t heard about it or have heard the word but don’t know what it is, this post will give you some idea about Astigmatism, how it is caused, it’s symptoms, and what can be done to control it.

 

Let’s start with the definition first:

 

Astigmatism is a refractive error, meaning it is not an eye disease or eye health problem; it’s simply a problem with how the eye focuses light. We all know the shape of our cornea is round. Now, to put into simpler terms, then instead of the cornea having a symmetrically round shape (like a baseball), it is shaped more like an American football. Normally, light comes into it and bends evenly, which gives you a clear view. But if your eye is shaped more like a football light gets bent more in one direction than another. Objects at a distance may look blurry and wavy. It is easy for an eye doctor to fix with glasses, contacts, or surgery.  

Astigmatism differs for each individual. To understand the different types of astigmatism, you should know that your eye has two meridians, or sections. There are three main types of astigmatism:

• Hyperopic. Your eyes are farsighted in one or both meridians.
• Myopic. Your eyes are nearsighted in one or both meridians.
• Mixed. Your eyes are nearsighted in one meridian and farsighted in the other.

 

What are the causes?

The specific cause of astigmatism is unknown. It can be hereditary and is usually present from birth. It can decrease or increase over time.

 

What are the Symptoms?

• Astigmatism usually causes vision to be blurred or distorted to some degree at all distances.
• Symptoms of uncorrected astigmatism are eye strain and headaches, especially after reading or other prolonged visual tasks.
• Squinting also is a very common symptom.

 

Can it be treated?

• Corrective Eye Glasses: This is the simplest and the safest way to correct astigmatism.
• Contact Lenses: They are a safe and effective option if fitted and used properly. However, contact lenses are not right for everyone.
• Orthokeratology: Noninvasive procedure, the patient wears a series of specially designed rigid contact lenses to gradually reshape the curvature of the cornea.
• Laser or other Refractive surgery: Aims to change the shape of the cornea permanently.

 

Note from a mommy’s desk:

I tried to give you a fair idea about Astigmatism. I would like to tell all the parents if they see any child wearing glasses then please don’t judge him before knowing the reason. Sometimes kids get glasses at a very early age. They don’t like it but they have no other choice. If adults starts pinpointing it then they feel demotivated and stop wearing them. If your child has recently started wearing glasses and you see others asking questions about it, don’t hesitate in telling them the reason. It is always better to spread the knowledge than to feel bad and keeping quiet.

 

Disclaimer: These are my personal views on this topic.  Seek doctor’s guidance for any kind of health problems. S(he) is the best person to answer your question.