Vision is a complex sense and the way we see the world can be affected by various conditions. Two common vision issues are astigmatism and myopia, affecting millions of people worldwide. To the uninitiated, these terms might sound like jargon from a medical textbook.
However, understanding them is key to maintaining optimal eye health. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between astigmatism vs myopia, shedding light on how they impact vision and what can be done to address them. Read on.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error of the eye. It's a condition where the cornea has a slightly different curvature in one direction from another, similar to the shape of a football. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye, or the lens, located right behind it.
This asymmetrical curvature can cause light to refract unevenly. This leads to blurred or distorted vision.
How it Affects Vision
The irregular curvature of the cornea or lens causes two different points of focus which results in blurry vision at any distance. People with significant astigmatism may experience:
- excessive squinting
- eye strain
- headaches
- sensitivity to light
Treating Astigmatism
Astigmatism can often be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses specially designed to counteract the corneal irregularities. It gives a uniform focal point for light to enter the eye.
Advances in technology have also made it possible to treat astigmatism through various surgical procedures, such as LASIK or cataract surgery with an astigmatism-correcting intraocular lens. Consulting a specialist can help you in getting laser eye surgery for astigmatism. They can also provide tips on visual clarity and corrective lenses.
Deciphering Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is another common vision problem. With myopia, close objects can be seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
The Impact on Sight
The person with myopia typically has no problem reading a book or texting on a smartphone, but road signs and television screens will appear fuzzy without corrective lenses. Myopia often starts in childhood and may worsen over time due to environmental and genetic factors.
Correcting Myopia
Like astigmatism, myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. For those looking for a more permanent solution, refractive surgery, including LASIK or PRK, can reshape the cornea to correct the focal point of light entering the eye.
How Do They Differ?
While both astigmatism and myopia are conditions that affect how light enters the eye, they differ in their core causes. Myopia is primarily due to the length of the eyeball or the curvature of the cornea.
This is while astigmatism is linked to an asymmetry in the cornea or lens shape. Despite these differences, the end symptoms-blurred vision-are similar, making them sometimes difficult to distinguish without a comprehensive eye exam.
Learn the Difference Between Astigmatism vs Myopia Today
Understanding your vision profile is essential to maintaining healthy eyes. Regular visits to an eye care professional are the best way to stay informed about any potential vision concerns, such as learning the difference between astigmatism vs myopia.
It helps you to address any issue promptly and effectively. Proactive care ensures you can always see the world through clear lenses-be they literal or metaphorical. This is whether it's myopia, astigmatism, or another vision problem.
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