Astigmatism Therapy
Studies indicate that approximately one-third of Americans suffer from astigmatism. Patients will experience symptoms to differing degrees, with some noticing more pronounced changes than others. Choosing the appropriate treatment for your vision and lifestyle is the most crucial phase. (5)
As this condition impairs the anatomy of the eye, there is currently no treatment available. The only available treatment options are corrective and surgical procedures.
A pair of glasses
With spectacles, mild astigmatism can be treated. Myopia is a correctable refractive error associated with astigmatism. However, glasses can only correct regular astigmatism. Keratoconus, an irregular astigmatism complication, cannot be corrected with spectacles.
Moreover, astigmatic patients frequently have significant refractive error. As a result, the spectacles they wear can appear quite cumbersome. Additionally, high prescription lenses can cause visual distortion. Glasses may be suited for mild cases of astigmatism, but they are unsuitable for more severe cases.
Corrective spectacles
Astigmatism is treated with corrective lenses that compensate for the cornea’s or lens’ irregular curvature. Several varieties of corrective lenses exist:
Flexible contact lenses
Soft contact lenses cannot correct the irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus, despite their cosmetic allure. High prescriptions eliminate the optical distortion induced by eyewear. In addition, they are typically quite comfortable. On the downside, most individuals who wear soft contact lenses will still experience vision blurring, particularly in severe cases of astigmatism.
Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lens materials are rigid. In astigmatism, the irregular corneal surface scatters light as it enters the eye. Instead of the irregular cornea, RGP contact lenses’ flat and uniform surface refracts light. Therefore, they have been shown to effectively rectify vision. However, not all RGP lenses are pleasant to wear. Although RGP lenses provide clear vision while being worn, they do not address the root cause of astigmatism.
Conjunctional Contact Lenses
Despite their convenience, soft contact lenses do not provide astigmatic individuals with excellent vision. RGP contact lenses may improve vision correction, but some individuals may find them uncomfortable. Due to the limitations of these two 2 lenses, patients are occasionally fitted with both an RGP contact lens and a soft lens.
On the cornea, soft lenses serve as pillows for the RGP lenses that lie on top. The advantage is improved vision and comfort compared to either lens worn alone, but the price can be high. Moreover, piggyback contacts do not cure the underlying disease.
Lenses de contact hybrides
In hybrid contact lenses, both flexible and gas-permeable materials are used. A RGP is used in the centre of the lens to provide sharp vision. A rim of soft lens surrounds the focal point. As it arcs around the RGP button’s centre, the outer portion is commonly referred to as a “skirt.” The flexible skirt rests on the eye, so it provides greater comfort than a corneal RGP. Popular because of their vision and comfort, hybrid lenses can be prohibitive due to their cost. Inserting, removing, and manipulating them is also difficult. As a final remark, hybrid lenses do not correct or stabilise astigmatism.
Lenses for the Sclera
The same materials are used for scleral contact lenses as for corneal RGP lenses, but the size is considerably larger. Due to their size, these lenses lay on the sclera rather than the cornea of the eye. These lenses do not move as much as corneal lenses, making them more pleasant. In addition to being more pleasant than corneal lenses, scleral lenses are also less sensitive. Although these lenses provide an excellent balance of vision and convenience, they can be difficult to insert, remove, and handle. Additionally, they are quite costly. In addition, they do not address the underlying problem.
Corneal Crosslinking (CXL) is a process that occurs in the cornea.
Patients with astigmatism receive corneal crosslinking to reinforce their thin, compromised cornea. In conjunction with ultraviolet light, riboflavin eye solutions are used to strengthen the cornea’s collagen bonds.
Astigmatism is irreversible, but corneal crosslinking stabilises the condition so that it does not worsen. In addition to delaying progression, it may help flatten the cornea, thereby improving vision. When contemplating how to treat astigmatism, CXL is a viable option to consider. Following LASIK, the FDA has approved CXL for the treatment of corneal ectasia, astigmatism, and keratoconus.
The Intacs
Intrastromal ring segments are surgically implanted as intrastromal rings in the cornea. Strategic placement of these plastic inlays in the cornea reduces its curvature. Vision will be enhanced if the cornea’s shape is modified. This procedure, when combined with corneal crosslinking, can stabilise the progression of astigmatism.
Corneal Grafting
In cases of advanced astigmatism accompanied by moderate to severe corneal scarring, a corneal transplant may be of the uttermost importance. In this procedure, donor corneal tissue is used to replace the patient’s cornea. Due to the invasive nature of the procedure, it is generally reserved for patients with advanced conditions. Astigmatism may also return after a corneal transplant.
