Treatment of astigmatism and common complications of pathology

A visual impairment such as astigmatism is somewhat less common than myopia or farsightedness. Therefore, when faced with such a diagnosis, the patient may not know anything specific about the disease called astigmatism - what it is, why it appears, what methods of correction and treatment exist. In this article we will consider all these issues in detail.

What is astigmatism

Astigmatism is a pathology in which the focus of the eye does not have one point, as it should be, but several.

Vision with astigmatism is specific: the image of objects is distorted, becomes unclear, and may double.

This is due to uneven curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye, which causes refractive error in the meridians of the eyes. Astigmatism is usually recorded in both eyes, less often in one.

This is not a “plus” or a “minus”; to correct such a disorder, lenses are needed not spherical, but cylindrical.

Their optical power is indicated in the prescription for glasses as cyl (cylinder) and ax (axis) - two indicators at once, and not one, as with myopia or farsightedness.

Astigmatism during pregnancy

Astigmatism and childbirth are completely compatible concepts if the condition is not complicated and the degree of the disease is small. However, in any case, during pregnancy, observation by an ophthalmologist is necessary.

Some forms of astigmatism carry the risk of a serious complication - retinal detachment.

Therefore, whether it is possible to give birth on your own or whether you will have to have a caesarean section is decided only by doctors, taking into account all the risk factors.

Classification of astigmatism

Pathology is classified according to several criteria, since it is a rather complex disorder. There are different types of astigmatism according to the degree, etiology, complications and type of refractive error.

Degrees

The severity of astigmatism is determined based on the difference in refractive power in the meridians. There are 3 degrees:

• Light (1st) degree – within 3 diopters. This is the most common option. Astigmatism of the weakest degree, below 0.5 diopters, is physiological, a person may not even notice it. Sometimes even 0.75 diopters are not noticeable. Higher numbers require correction.
• Average (2nd) degree – from 3 to 6 diopters. Optical correction and treatment are required.
• Severe (3rd) degree – more than 6 diopters. High-grade astigmatism seriously reduces quality of life. Severe astigmatism often requires surgical intervention, and particularly severe forms can even lead to disability.

Types

The main type of astigmatism is corneal, when the shape of the cornea is irregular, and lenticular, when the refractive ability of the lens is impaired.

The eye has two main meridians: vertical and horizontal. Based on this, three forms of the disease are distinguished:

• Direct – refractive power is higher along the vertical meridian.
• Reverse - refractive power is higher along the horizontal meridian.
• With oblique axes - the main meridians pass away from both main axes of the eye.

Reverse and direct are easier to correct than axial.

According to the type of refractive error, there are the following types of disease:

• Simple myopic: the refractive power of one of the main meridians, most often the vertical one, is enhanced, while the horizontal one is normal. Read more about myopic astigmatism here.
• Simple hypermetropic: the refractive power of one of the main meridians is weakened, the other is normal.
• Complex myopic: refraction is enhanced along both meridians, but one of them is more pronounced.
• Complex hypermetropic: the refractive power is reduced along two meridians, but also unevenly.
• Mixed: along one meridian the refractive power is excessive, along the second - insufficient. This form gives the greatest image distortion.

Astigmatism can also be regular or irregular. In the first case, the refractive power is the same along the entire length of the meridian; in the second, it varies along its different segments.

Sometimes astigmatism is a congenital condition, in which case it is more often correct. Incorrect - usually acquired as a result of injury or illness.

There is also an age-related type of the disease, which occurs due to a weakening of accommodation closer to old age. The disorder can occur in one eye or in both eyes at once.

Why does astigmatism occur?

We've sorted out the concept of astigmatism, but why does it appear? There are two main reasons why a person develops this eye condition:

1. Genetics: the congenital type of the disease is inherited. Therefore, if one or both parents have this disorder, the likelihood of having a child with astigmatism increases. Often the disorder is associated with congenital uneven pressure of the eyelids on the eye.
2. External factors: injuries, inflammatory diseases, serious surgical interventions can lead to the development of acquired astigmatism in the eye.

One of the reasons is keratoconus, a disease of the cornea in which it takes on a conical shape.

Signs of the disease

Astigmatism manifests itself as follows:

• specific vision defects: objects are unclear, blurry, sometimes double, the outlines are distorted;
• severe eye fatigue, feeling of tension;
• When changing the viewing angle, distortions may disappear and appear.

Based on these signs, an astigmatic adult can recognize the disease and consult a doctor. With children, the situation is somewhat more complicated, since with a congenital pathology, the child may simply not understand that something is wrong with his vision. Therefore, it is important to undergo preventive examinations with a pediatric ophthalmologist on time.

Additionally, we recommend reading the article about astigmatism in children.

Diagnosis of the disease

The disease is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. During the eye examination, the doctor will not only check visual acuity, but also determine the degree of refractive error using a special device - a refractometer. It gives very accurate results, with which you can choose the correction method. Visual acuity is determined using tables. Diagnostic methods are also used:

• shadow test,
• biomicroscopy,
• computer keratometry,
• visometry,
• skiascopy,
• measurement of intraocular pressure.

Based on the results of the eye examination, the doctor selects the optimal method of correction and treatment of the identified disorder.

Tests for home testing in the picture below. More tests in the article here.

How to cure astigmatism

The disease cannot go away on its own, but to the question of whether it is curable, the answer can be yes in many cases. First of all, with such a diagnosis, optical correction is prescribed to return the patient a clear picture of vision. The possibility of surgical intervention to correct the defect may then be considered.

Conservative methods also include hardware treatment and eye gymnastics.

Optical correction

The main task in correcting pathology is to correct the refractive error using medical optics. For this purpose, spectacle correction and contact lenses (soft or hard) can be used.

Correction using glasses is the most common method. Astigmatic glasses use special cylindrical lenses, which in some forms of impairment are combined with spherical ones.

Contact lenses for the correction of such disorders can be spherical, cylindrical, or with a toric surface. Using toric lenses allows you to achieve clearer vision compared to glasses. Such contact lenses are selected exclusively by an ophthalmologist, taking into account all the necessary parameters.

Surgical operations

Surgery is generally contraindicated for children under 18 years of age because the eye is in the process of growth. Because of this, the outcome of the intervention is difficult to predict and may be unstable. And doctors know how to surgically treat astigmatism in adults.

Here is a list of what can be done with this pathology from a surgical point of view to get rid of visual impairment:

1. Keratotomy: an operation in which the cornea is excised to weaken the refractive power of the desired meridian. The operation is not very well predicted, and therefore is used infrequently.
2. Thermokeratocoagulation: the cornea is cauterized in several places in order to enhance its refractive power. This intervention is currently almost never used.
3. Installation of a phakic lens: a special lens is implanted under the cornea, eliminating the vision defect.
4. Lens replacement: used for severe lens type disease. The natural lens of the eye is removed, and an artificial lens of the correct physiological shape is installed in its place.

Laser vision correction is considered the most effective and safe operation.

Laser correction

A method such as laser surgery is the most common method in our time for correcting various refractive errors from the norm, including astigmatism. The laser physically changes the surface of the cornea in a way that corrects its ability to refract. This allows you to restore vision with astigmatism up to 4, and in some cases up to 6 diopters.

Unfortunately, laser correction has contraindications:

• age under 18 years;
• pregnancy and lactation period:
• some diseases: diabetes, autoimmune, etc.;
• a number of eye diseases: cataracts, glaucoma, thinning of the cornea;
• retinal disinsertion.

In other cases, the doctor will approve the correction, and the patient, after a short (no more than a couple of days) rehabilitation, will gain normal vision.

Exercises

• If you are wondering how else you can combat astigmatism at home in adults and children, then check out 10 effective exercises in this video:
• 
• By making eye exercises your habit, you can increase the effectiveness of any treatment and improve visual acuity without surgery.

Why is astigmatism dangerous?

The consequences of astigmatism can be quite serious. First of all, it is worth mentioning the congenital type of the disease.

If the disorder is not detected in time, it can lead to irreversible changes, such as amblyopia - lazy eye syndrome, when the eye gradually turns off from the act of vision and its acuity drops sharply. Binocular vision is lost.

Amblyopia often results in strabismus. Therefore, it is important to identify the presence of deviations at the initial stage and use the prescribed correction methods.

Prevention and contraindications

Prevention of astigmatism consists of:

• dosing of visual loads;
• proper nutrition, including foods that are good for the eyes;
• performing gymnastics for the eyes.

To prevent complications, you should strictly follow all the ophthalmologist’s recommendations at home.

Contraindications:

• People with astigmatism greater than 4 diopters are not accepted into the army.
• It is better to check with your doctor whether you can drive a car, as this depends on the form and degree of the disease.
• Astigmatism and sports are compatible if there are no complications such as retinal problems. But people diagnosed with this condition should consult their eye doctor before participating in any specific sport.

Astigmatism is a serious but treatable eye disease. The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and follow all his recommendations in order to regain full vision and avoid complications.

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Source: https://ozrenieglaz.ru/bolezni/astigmatizm/astigmatizm-chto-ehto

Treatment of astigmatism in adults - proven methods

Astigmatism in adults provokes the appearance of unpleasant symptoms, but is amenable to medical intervention and can be completely eliminated. This pathology is often combined with myopia and leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of life. Treatment of astigmatism in adults takes place after a detailed diagnosis, taking into account the root causes of the disease.

What is astigmatism

The disease is widespread among the adult population and leads to severe discomfort if one or more diopters are reached.

The organs of vision of a person suffering from astigmatism project the image not on the retina, but in front of it, or beyond it. The consequence of such a violation is a distortion of the outlines of surrounding objects, resulting in a blurry visual image.

Types and causes of occurrence

The classification, taking into account the area of ​​location of pathological changes, divides astigmatism into 2 types:

1. Corneal.
2. Lenticular.

The most common type of the disease is the cornea. Patients with this disorder exhibit pathological changes in the shape of the cornea.

Lens astigmatism of the eyes is quite rare. This type of disease occurs against the background of changes in the shape of the lens.

In addition to the listed varieties, the following forms of astigmatism are distinguished:

• congenital;
• acquired.

Congenital pathology manifests itself soon after a person is born and is sometimes considered as a variant of the norm.

If the degree of astigmatism exceeds 1.0 D, the condition is perceived as a pathology and requires mandatory treatment.

The acquired form of astigmatism occurs due to the presence of various negative factors (traumatic damage to the cornea, postoperative scars).

Symptoms and diagnosis

At an early stage of development, astigmatism manifests itself primarily in the form of unfocused vision. Such a disorder is often not perceived as a disease and is explained by eye fatigue after prolonged exercise.

Additional symptoms of ophthalmological disease include:

• redness of the organs of vision;
• impaired image clarity;
• color distortion;
• discomfort, pain;
• dizziness.

Against the background of overload of the visual apparatus, more serious disorders occur, among which diplopia (split images) is common.

If the disorder is ignored and there is no timely treatment, astigmatism gradually progresses, leading to complete or partial loss of vision.

The appearance of signs of astigmatism requires a mandatory consultation with an ophthalmologist and a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the eyes. Diagnosis of the disease consists of the following points:

1. Visual examination.
2. Refractive studies.
3. Visometry (clarification of visual acuity).
4. Skiascopy (shadow test).
5. Refractometry, which consists of artificially dilating the pupils.
6. Biomicroscopy.
7. Ophthalmoscopy examining the vitreous body.
8. Ultrasound.
9. Ophthalmometry.

To more accurately determine the extent of the corneal defect, the doctor may prescribe the patient a computer keratotopography procedure.

How to treat astigmatism

In the treatment of astigmatism, non-surgical and surgical methods are used. A special diet, special gymnastics, surgery, and medications can help in getting rid of visual impairment. Often the listed methods are combined with each other.

In choosing the appropriate method for eliminating pathology, specialists are guided by the degree of astigmatism, the patient’s age, and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Nutrition for astigmatism

Proper nutrition for astigmatism helps maintain the tone of the visual apparatus, saturate the eye tissue with important substances. Patients are recommended to eat food rich in minerals, trace elements, vitamins, and antioxidants.

The introduction of natural products into the diet will bring benefits:

• tomatoes;
• pumpkins;
• carrots;
• cucumbers;
• cabbage;
• beets;
• citrus fruits;
• sunflower seeds;
• nuts;
• greenery;
• melons;
• fish, meat;
• fermented milk products.

You should eat berries such as blueberries, grapes, cranberries, currants, as well as compotes and fruit drinks made from them. Instead of mayonnaise or sauces, you need to season your dishes with a variety of vegetable oils.

Useful exercises

Patients with astigmatism are recommended to perform special exercises up to 5 times daily. A popular complex for astigmatists includes the following exercises:

1. Directing your gaze into the distance and then focusing on a nearby object (the interval between manipulations is 30 seconds).
2. Close your eyes tightly for 5–10 seconds. After each movement they are opened as wide as possible.
3. Turns the eyes in different directions.
4. Rotation of the pupils in the direction of movement clockwise and counterclockwise (alternately with open and closed eyes).

Between each exercise, you must perform 20 frequent, rapid blinks.

Exercises for astigmatism will become more effective through combination with physiotherapy and wearing individually selected corrective optics.

Surgery

For progressive astigmatism, surgical intervention is often performed. The operation can be performed either traditionally or using modern techniques.

Patients with astigmatism are prescribed:

• keratotomy, which consists of making microsurgical incisions;
• thermocoagulation, based on the removal of part of the corneal stroma through exposure to a certain temperature;
• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).

Surgical intervention is sought after the astigmatist reaches the age of 18. Until this age, the visual apparatus is in a state of formation, and surgery can become unsafe.

Laser treatment of astigmatism in adults

The surgery performed with a laser is known as laser-assisted intrastromal keratomileusis (LASIK). This method is a modern way of correcting visual impairments, allowing the patient to be treated without dangerous complications.

The principle of the operation is to apply a laser to the surface of the epithelial layer of the cornea, form a flap, and remove the required part of the cornea by evaporation. In most cases, LASIK is tolerated without complications and does not require long-term postoperative rehabilitation.

Ultrasound therapy

This method consists of exposing the damaged cornea or lens of the eye to ultrasonic vibrations. Prescribing such therapy becomes effective if the patient suffers from postoperative and post-traumatic astigmatism, but does not provide the necessary results in the congenital form of the disease.

Ultrasound therapy is contraindicated during pregnancy, heart disease, central nervous system, oncology, hormonal imbalances, and anorexia.

Are medications effective?

The use of medications is most beneficial at an early stage of the disease. Modern drugs that help fight pathology include the following drops for astigmatism:

• Balarpan;
• Emoxipin;
• Ujala;
• Korneregel.

Such products help restore corneal tissue and provide adequate nutrition. Often, drugs in the form of drops are combined with taking ophthalmic complexes with lutein.

Modern methods of treatment

The most progressive methods for eliminating astigmatism include:

1. Refractive lens replacement with IOL implantation. The procedure involves the implantation of an implant that is biologically compatible with eye tissue.
2. Phakic lens implantation. During the operation, an intraocular lens is installed in front of the lens and cornea, intended for constant wear.
3. Scleroplasty. The method is recommended for patients with astigmatism complicated by myopia and helps stop the progression of both pathologies.

In the presence of complex variants of the disease, the Optimal System is used - a surgical technique that is a combination of laser correction with implantation of intraocular lenses.

Vision correction for astigmatism

To correct astigmatism, special optical products – lenses and glasses – can be used. If there is an impairment of more than 0.75 diopters, astigmatists are often prescribed to wear toric contact lenses (TCLs). The selection of such products is performed by an ophthalmologist after considering all the features of the patient’s visual system.

The main advantages of contact lenses are effective vision correction, full vision effect, and invisibility.

Glasses that correct astigmatism have a curved, uneven surface. If there are severe visual defects, they are made to order, according to a doctor’s prescription.

Glasses for astigmatists can be of 2 types:

• cylindrical;
• spherocylindrical.

Products with cylindrical lenses provide refraction of rays incident perpendicular to the axis. Spherocylindrical lenses are recommended for people who have astigmatism combined with myopia or farsightedness.

Both lenses and glasses are not able to provide a complete cure. Such products help improve visual acuity, but do not directly affect the visual defect.

Complications and prognosis

The main complications of visual anomaly manifest themselves as:

1. Amblyopia.
2. Strabismus.

Amblyopia is a pathological condition that causes decreased visual acuity. This disorder, also called “lazy eye,” occurs as a result of the lack of quality treatment, long-term progression of the disease, leading to significant distortion of surrounding objects.

Strabismus in astigmatists is also associated with the prolonged course of the disease and the lack of adequate therapy. In some cases, the disorder may occur even after the underlying pathology has been eliminated.

A complication of surgical treatment may be a relapse caused by restoration of the original shape of the cornea and the return of symptoms of the disease.

A positive prognosis remains in adult patients who contacted an ophthalmologist at an early stage of the disease and underwent timely, high-quality treatment.

If the problem is ignored or medical care is neglected, the pathology progresses quite quickly, leads to the development of complications, and becomes the cause of inferior social and professional activity.

Source: https://oculistic.ru/bolezni/astigmatizm/osobennosti-lecheniya-astigmatizma-u-vzroslyh

Astigmatism - what is it and how to treat it correctly

Understanding the mechanisms and causes of such a disorder as astigmatism is necessary to build an effective fight against pathology. And to overcome astigmatism, treatment in adults must be carried out comprehensively. But is it possible to get rid of this condition forever or will you have to get used to its presence in life?

What is astigmatism

Before treating astigmatism, you need to understand what it is. The pathology is classified as a class of refractive errors associated with changes in the shape of the cornea or lens. The process is characterized by the following mechanisms:

• rays, penetrating inside the eye, are scattered incorrectly;
• as a result, a distorted image is formed;
• a person sees the world around him as if he were myopic, only the pathology can be accompanied by farsightedness, in which blurring of objects occurs at a distance.

Among the causes of astigmatism in adults are: constant eye strain, structural features of the organ of vision, as well as injuries. The types of disease are classified according to the type of cause:

• Congenital astigmatism . It is more common than acquired and is caused by hereditary factors. Associated with abnormal pressure inside the eyeball, muscles, and also in the area of ​​bone tissue. Congenital pathology manifests itself not only immediately after birth, but also at an older age - in primary or secondary school.
• Acquired type . Most often, such astigmatism in adults develops due to previous operations or injuries. The condition is caused by scarring, clouding or inflammation of the corneal tissue.

The lesion can be recognized only after diagnostics. Astigmatism has no specific symptoms in adults.

Among the primary signs of astigmatism, general indicators of vision problems stand out:

• difficulty focusing your gaze, attributing blurry images to fatigue;
• occasionally there are unreasonable attacks of burning, redness and dryness of the eyes;
• from time to time objects begin to split into two;
• clarity of vision gradually decreases;
• sometimes pain appears when working with reading, computers, papers;
• It becomes difficult to estimate distances.

However, all these signs are a factor in the development of many other eye diseases.

Danger of pathology

This is why astigmatism is dangerous for adults: lack of treatment leads to strabismus, as well as a rapid decline in vision. The pathology especially severely affects the organs of vision that are susceptible to other diseases. It is important for people with this disorder to visit an ophthalmologist every 3-6 months to monitor the situation.

Is it curable or not?

A complete cure for astigmatism in adults is possible, but only if an integrated approach is followed. In the initial stages, you can use vitamins, exercises and laser correction. In severe cases, and also when the disorder cannot be treated, surgical intervention can be resorted to.

Diagnostic features

Astigmatism in adults after 30, 40 or 50 years of age can be detected and treated in an ophthalmology clinic. A standard diagnostic program is sufficient:

• the doctor determines visual acuity;
• diagnostics of refraction and skiascopy are carried out;
• intraocular pressure is measured;
• perform biomicroscopy.

Skiascopy is one of the most reliable ways to detect astigmatism in adults. Using special equipment, the doctor measures the selected parameters in a few minutes and finds out the type, type, and degree of the disorder.

If there is a suspicion of corneal astigmatism not associated with the lens, then computer keratotopography and ophthalmometry are required. During the procedures, the specialist determines the degree of change in the surface and structure of the cornea.

How to treat eye astigmatism in adults

It is possible to treat astigmatism at home, but all methods should be discussed with your doctor. Surgical operations and laser correction are performed if indicated. And the best method of correcting vision problems is wearing contact lenses or glasses.

Optical accessories

It is necessary to select glasses and lenses together with the doctor after undergoing diagnostics. For correction, cylindrical lenses are used that refract the rays in one direction. For complex forms of impairment, combined options are used: spherical and cylindrical lenses.

Laser correction

The laser can be used for complex forms of astigmatism, as well as if the patient refuses to wear glasses or lenses. In this case, the laser correction method is the best solution. And the negative aspects are smoothed out by the advantages. It is important to consider contraindications:

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• decompensatory diabetes mellitus;
• glaucoma, cataract;
• inflammatory and infectious eye diseases;
• severe retinal detachment or other lesions.

The technique can be used for astigmatism that cannot be corrected with lenses or glasses. The cost of laser treatment for astigmatism starts from 20,000 rubles (for Moscow).

Surgical intervention

There are several operational methods that help to get rid of the disorder forever:

• Keratotomy . Incisions are made on the cornea, which allow the rays to properly pass into the eye. If astigmatism is severely developed, then during the procedure the cornea is replaced (with an artificial or donor one). However, after surgery, astigmatism may return within 1-5 years.
• Lens implantation . An artificial object is placed in the eye between the cornea and lens. The lens is selected individually for each patient. There is a risk of allergies to artificial material.
• Thermokeratocoagulation . The operation is performed to increase the refractive power of the cornea. To do this, use temperature - the wrong areas are simply cauterized. However, such treatment began to be used less and less due to inaccurate results.

Astigmatism can be treated surgically quite successfully, but operations require special indications, including a severe form of the disease.

Eye exercises help relax muscle fibers, but do not help cure the pathology. However, it is necessary to perform it to prevent the progression of the disorder:

1. The patient sits down, closes his eyes and begins to roll them for a minute. He does the same with open eyelids.
2. The person looks up and down and moves them left and right for at least 1 minute.
3. When the muscles stretch a little, you can include the “Figure Eight” exercise in gymnastics for astigmatism in adults. With eyes open, the patient begins to draw an infinity sign.
4. At the end of the complex, the patient gets up, goes to the window and looks first into the distance, then turns his gaze to his outstretched hand - the thumb. Then it focuses on the tip of the nose.

To relax your eyes, after gymnastics you need to close your eyes several times for 5-7 seconds. The procedure will increase blood flow and provide nutrients to the eyes.

Medicines for therapy

Before treating astigmatism in adults with medications, you need to understand: the pathology cannot be eliminated in this way, but it can be significantly slowed down. The main remedies are drops and tablets containing vitamins.

Important! Antibiotics, antiviral drops and NSAIDs are prohibited from being used without a doctor's prescription.

The best vitamins for the eyes are complex C, A, E and most of the B-group. In pharmacies, the following useful vitamins are available to the buyer, which help with astigmatism:

• “Slezavit”, “Lutein” - complexes after 40 years;
• "Vitrum Vision" - well suited for recovery after surgery, as well as for people working at a computer;
• “Focus” is a complex of useful substances for people over 14 years old;
• "Optics" - can be given to children after 12 years of age.

Special supplements from the American website iherb.com are very popular. However, the choice there is so great, and there are drugs with high concentrations of different substances, that it is better to choose after consulting a doctor. To begin with, you can pay attention to complexes with antioxidants:

• Lutein. The substance is especially beneficial for vision and helps fight free radicals.
• Zeaxatin. Another powerful antioxidant that is activated in the light-sensitive cells of the retina.

eye drops can be used to treat astigmatism in adults . But these should only be symptomatic solutions or substances recommended for dry eye syndrome. They must be used strictly according to the instructions, no longer than the specified period. Using drops you can activate the following processes:

• moisturizing and eliminating dryness;
• relieving tension and fatigue;
• acceleration of metabolism to improve nutrition of the visual organs;
• increasing immune strength.

Among the drugs that doctors often recommend are drops with vitamins : “Taufon”, “Emoxipin”, “Quinax”, “Ujala”, “Slezin”.

Diet for astigmatism

Every person needs to eat right, regardless of disease. But with astigmatism, you can enrich your diet with additional products that have a positive effect specifically on the visual organs:

• Fresh or dried blueberries . In summer, the berry is eaten without any additives. But the dried product can be brewed and drunk as a herbal medicine. To do this, take 4 tbsp. l. raw materials, pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave for 45 minutes. You can drink 1-2 glasses a day. You can brew differently, using warm water, but leave the mixture for at least 8 hours.
• The healthiest vegetables and herbs . Vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, red and orange peppers, garlic, and celery can affect eye health with astigmatism. Herbs: parsley and basil. These products contain essential oils, tannins and vitamins.

Before consumption, carrots should be mixed with sour cream or unrefined vegetable oil - this is the only way to improve the quality of its absorption.

You will have to give up smoking and alcohol - these are dangerous products that increase blood pressure, lead to a deficiency of nutrients and interfere with cell regeneration.

Complications with astigmatism

The most common complication of the disease is myopia. However, in some cases, the pathology is accompanied by farsightedness.

Fact! The most dangerous complications in older age are atrophy of the optic nerve and retinal detachment.

Constant vision problems lead to the patient having to squint and strain his eyes. This causes premature wrinkles to appear around the eyelids - a particularly unpleasant consequence of the disease for women.

Conclusion

Treatment of astigmatism in adults is a task that doctors and patients can do. However, to solve it, you will have to follow all the rules, including giving up bad habits, normalizing your lifestyle and nutrition.

To completely eliminate the pathology, laser correction will be required, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Otherwise, astigmatism will progress and cause complications in the form of constant deterioration of vision, headaches and the inability to look, read, or work at the computer normally.

Video on the topic - Malysheva about astigmatism:

Source: https://oftaplus.ru/zabolevaniya/lechenie-astigmatizma-u-vzroslyx.html

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a condition in which one eye combines different types of refraction or different degrees of refraction of the same type.

• Refraction with astigmatism
• There is such a thing as the main meridians - these are two perpendicular planes of the eye. Depending on their refraction, astigmatism is distinguished: - direct - refracts the vertical meridian more, - reverse - refracts the horizontal meridian more,
• - with oblique axles

By type, astigmatism can be regular or irregular (usually corneal, due to its damage by traumatic, dystrophic and inflammatory processes). In the first form, one meridian has the same refractive power.

1. Correct astigmatism:
2. - simple - with it in one of the meridians there is emmetropia (normal refraction) - complex - in both meridians the same refraction (myopia or hypermetropia)
3. - mixed - different types of refraction in the meridians
4. Normal regular astigmatism up to 0.75 diopters is considered physiological, does not affect visual acuity and does not require correction.

Symptoms of astigmatism

Symptoms that may indicate the presence of the disease: the patient confuses similar letters, rearranges them, sees distorted objects, and visual acuity decreases.

Symptoms of asthenopia are expressed (rapid visual fatigue, a feeling of fullness, “sand” in the eyes), there is an intolerance to glasses and their frequent replacement.

Almost always, astigmatism is combined with refractive errors, myopia or hypermetropia.

This is what a person with astigmatism sees:

Usually, the first signs of astigmatism appear at school age, but often in adults. A thorough examination is necessary to rule out a serious disease such as keratoconus.

Keratoconus

Diagnosis of astigmatism

Diagnostic methods:

— visometry (determination of visual acuity) with and without correction. Put on a trial frame.

An opaque screen is placed in front of one eye, lenses of different strengths are placed in front of the other (for astigmatism, cylindrical ones, which refract only in one meridian) and maximum visual acuity is achieved - skiascopy (shadow test) - refraction is determined using the movement of a shadow in the pupil area using the rocking movement method with an indirect ophthalmoscope when examined with transmitted light, - refractometry in a state of mydriasis gives the most accurate results, - biomicroscopy to identify possible causes of astigmatism (inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the cornea), - ophthalmometry and ultrasound of the eye to determine the anteroposterior segment, because astigmatism in the vast majority of cases is combined with myopia and hypermetropia, - ophthalmoscopy to identify pathology of the vitreous body and fundus of the eye,

— computer keratotopography to determine the degree of corneal astigmatism. During the study, thickness and refractive power are measured at more than 8,000 points. The slightest refractive errors are detected.

Treatment of astigmatism

Astigmatism must be corrected and treated in a timely manner to prevent complications from developing. Correction: glasses, contact, laser and microsurgical . Indications: decreased visual acuity, symptoms of asthenopia and progression of myopia or farsightedness.

The first type ( glasses ) is poorly tolerated by many patients, but most still prefer wearing glasses. Lenses are made specially, with a cylindrical component. Glasses are selected strictly individually.

They cannot be bought simply at the optician or on the market. The power of a cylindrical lens must match the degree of astigmatism, and spherical ones are selected according to the rules for correcting myopia or hypermetropia. These glasses are prescribed for constant wear.

Contact correction is carried out using toric lenses.

  To use toric lenses, you need special skills that are taught by an ophthalmologist. Night (orthokeratology) lenses have also found use for small degrees of astigmatism.

If there is a difference in the optical power or thickness of the cornea, then after keratotopography astigmotomy , in which micro-incisions are applied that weaken the strong meridian on the periphery. Indications: astigmatism more than 6 diopters, children under 18 years of age, thin cornea (laser correction is impossible), as well as different refraction in the meridians.

Indications for excimer laser surgery are astigmatism up to 4 diopters. This is an outpatient, virtually painless procedure, after which the patient immediately notices a significant improvement in visual acuity.

Its essence is that after the formation of the valve, the cornea is ground in clearly designated areas to a certain depth.

  After the operation, it is worth limiting physical and visual stress, protecting your eyes from injury (wearing glasses, for example), hot baths, a sauna, and alcohol for a month.

It is recommended to instill drops of dexamethasone (Oftan-dexamethasone, Maxidex) initially 3 times a day, reducing to 1 time for 3 weeks; antibacterial (Tobrex, Floxal, Oftaquix) 3 times a day for a week, as well as situational moisturizing drops (Oftagel, Oksial, Systane). Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist are required.

1-2 times a year it is necessary to take courses of vitamin preparations (Vitrum, Okyuvit-lutein, Blueberry-Forte, etc.) and hardware treatment (laser stimulation, computer programs).

Complications of astigmatism

Untimely and inadequate treatment can lead to complications such as decreased visual acuity to the development of amblyopia (“lazy” eye, in which vision does not improve with correction), strabismus.

Prevention of astigmatism

The most important thing for health is disease prevention. In relation to astigmatism, it is necessary to dose visual loads, or rather alternate them with physical exercises and eye gymnastics. Reading lying down or in poor lighting is strictly prohibited. It is possible to use special perforation glasses.

Ophthalmologist Letyuk T.Z.

Source: https://medicalj.ru/diseases/ophthalmology/808-astigmatizm

Astigmatism - treatment in adults, how to treat symptoms, is it treated, how is eye disease treated, what is it

Astigmatism is a disease of the visual system that develops due to changes in the shape of the cornea. If normally light rays are focused on the retina, then with astigmatism they do not reach it. A person sees objects, but blurred, indistinct, in distorted proportions.

The main goal of treating astigmatism is to restore normal focusing of rays on the retina. Since this disease is often accompanied by farsightedness or myopia, doctors often prescribe comprehensive vision correction.

Read more about the symptoms, causes, possible complications and methods of treating astigmatism.

Definition of disease

Astigmatism is a common visual impairment accompanied by a lack of focal point.

As a result, a person sees objects blurred and distorted, no matter how far they are from him.

This happens due to disturbances in the optical configuration of the eye apparatus - they manifest themselves in the form of uneven curvature of the cornea or irregular shape of the lens.

Defocus of vision occurs when the lens has an irregular shape or the curvature of the cornea is uneven.

The cornea should look like a curved hemisphere - like half a soccer ball.

In a healthy eye, it is smooth and has a uniform bend in all directions, but with astigmatism, the cornea bends more strongly in one direction and has an uneven surface and an oval shape.

When light hits the “wrong” cornea, it focuses in a random pattern rather than to a single point on the retina. The result is blurred vision and a distorted image.

Causes

Deformation processes in the cornea, leading to visual impairment, are caused by various factors. Let's look at them:

1. Heredity – often astigmatism is congenital and manifests itself at an early age. Therefore, if one of the parents has this disease, with a high degree of probability it will be diagnosed in the child.
2. Trauma – Astigmatism can develop as a result of injury to the eye. If the lens or cornea is scratched or otherwise damaged, a scar forms and the structure of the eye changes.
3. Infections – various infectious diseases can also cause scarring of the lens and cornea.
4. Operations – modern microsurgery is not perfect, so any surgical intervention can lead to complications. The most common is scarring.
5. Keratoconus – or corneal dystrophy. Keratotonus is expressed in a change in the structure and shape of the cornea, as a result of which it is elongated. The disease is rare, but the possibility of its occurrence cannot be ruled out.

Also at risk are patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, deformations of the dental system and abnormalities in the structure of the upper jaw.

Since astigmatism is often an inherited pathology, parents with the corresponding diagnosis should carefully monitor the condition of their child's visual system.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of astigmatism:

1. Asthenopia – characterized by rapid fatigue, a feeling of sand in the eyes.
2. “Intolerance” to corrective glasses and, as a result, their frequent replacement.
3. Blurred vision, blurred image.
4. Redness of the eyes, accompanied by pain and burning.
5. Double vision when working at a computer or while reading.

The main danger of the disease is that in the early stages its symptoms are unspecific - the disease manifests itself as a slight blurring of vision, which is usually mistaken for ordinary fatigue. Therefore, monitor your health and undergo regular examinations with an ophthalmologist.

Symptoms of astigmatism in the early stages (blurred image, burning, sand in the eyes) are often mistaken for general eye fatigue.

Possible complications

Complications of astigmatism are amblyopia (a symptom of “lazy eye”) and strabismus. Since the disease significantly reduces the acuity and overall quality of vision, it leads to worsening hypermeotropia or myopia. Progressive astigmatism (develops without treatment) is the main cause of severe pain in the eyes and constant headaches.

Treatment

Vision correction for astigmatism is carried out in three ways - medication, surgery and using special lenses. Treatment with folk remedies does not make sense.

Drug therapy

Medicines will not help you completely get rid of astigmatism. The main goal of drug therapy is to improve microcirculation, activate metabolic processes in the tissues of the eye and stop the development of the disease. Treatment courses must be taken every 4-6 months; the drops are prescribed by the doctor after diagnosis. Additionally, you can use vitamin preparations.

Drug treatment for astigmatism is rather about supporting the visual system.

Surgery

If correction of astigmatism by optical means is not possible, a keratotomy is prescribed - an operation during which several radial incisions are made on the cornea using a scalpel. As a result, the strong peripheral meridian weakens and visual acuity is restored.

The most reliable methods of vision correction for astigmatism are keratotomy and laser correction.

Laser correction is performed for astigmatism up to ±3-4 D. The Lasik technique is considered the most effective. Lasik surgery takes 5-7 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia.

The epithelium repairs itself, so no stitches are needed.

Correction with lenses

Vision correction for astigmatism can be carried out using glasses and contact lenses. The doctor selects glasses individually, combining cylindrical and spherical lenses. Contact lenses used are toric. Remember that correction is not a cure, but it can improve visual acuity.

If you have severe astigmatism, wearing glasses is contraindicated - they can cause severe visual discomfort and severe dizziness. Use contact lenses.

Prevention

Prevention of astigmatism involves paying close attention to your health and promptly identifying symptoms. Get regular examinations from an ophthalmologist (even if nothing bothers you), alternate sleep and rest modes, and do special exercises to relieve tension. Always treat eye inflammation and protect your vision from injury.

Has your child been diagnosed with astigmatism? He must undergo preventive examinations at a children's clinic. Follow all doctor's recommendations - they will help avoid the development of complications in the future.

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conclusions

Astigmatism is a common ophthalmological disease, which is accompanied by pain, burning in the eyes, and decreased clarity of vision.

It occurs as a result of injuries, infections, eye surgeries, and against the background of various diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), and hereditary factors also play a role.

Astigmatism can only be cured surgically; drug therapy is prescribed as maintenance therapy; lenses and glasses are used to correct vision.

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Source: https://EyesDocs.ru/zabolevaniya/astigmatizm/vzroslyx-techenie-zabolevaniya-oslozhneniya-simptomy-i-lechenie.html