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pk
unioffaisalabad
Submitted by
Ziyan 083
Ayesha Ghaffar 033
Semester 2nd
Department BS optometry
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unioffaisalabad
Astigmatism
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Definition of Astigmatism
● Astigmatism is a refractive error in which the eye does not focus light evenly onto the
retina.
● It occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted
vision.
● A perfectly shaped eye should have a round, ball-like cornea. In astigmatism, the
cornea is shaped more like a football.
● Astigmatism is a common and usually treatable imperfection in the curvature of the
eye.
● This leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances, whether close-up or far away.
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Types of Astigmatism
● Astigmatism can be classified based on the part of the eye affected or the type of
refractive error.
• Corneal Astigmatism: Caused by an irregular shape of the cornea.
• Lenticular Astigmatism: Caused by an irregular shape of the eye's lens.
● Refractive classifications include:
• Myopic Astigmatism: One or both principal meridians are nearsighted.
• Hyperopic Astigmatism: One or both meridians are farsighted.
• Mixed Astigmatism: One meridian is nearsighted, the other is farsighted.
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Physiology of Astigmatism
● The human eye focuses light through the cornea and lens to project an image on the
retina.
● In astigmatic eyes, the curvature of these structures is not symmetrical.
● This results in different refractive powers in different meridians of the eye, leading to
multiple focal points.
● This misfocusing causes parts of the image to appear blurred or stretched, especially
lines or edges at certain angles.
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Causes of Astigmatism
● Genetic: Astigmatism often runs in families and can be present from birth.
● Eye Injury or Surgery: Damage to the cornea or lens can alter its shape.
● Keratoconus: A degenerative disorder that causes the cornea to thin and become
cone-shaped.
● Aging: Natural changes in the eye's structure over time.
● Chronic Eye Strain: While not a direct cause, it can aggravate existing symptoms.
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Symptoms of Astigmatism
● General vision blurriness or distortion.
● Eyestrain or discomfort, especially during prolonged tasks like reading.
● Headaches resulting from constant squinting.
● Difficulty with night vision and glare sensitivity.
● Frequent need to change prescription glasses or contacts.
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Treatment Options
● Several effective treatments are available depending on the severity and type of
astigmatism.
Prescription Eyeglasses: Lenses specifically designed to correct uneven curvature.
Contact Lenses: Toric lenses help correct the uneven shape.
Orthokeratology: Hard contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea.
Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea
permanently.
● Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring changes in vision and updating
prescriptions.
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Diagram
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Real-life Scenario
● Ali, a 17-year-old high school student, often struggles with headaches and
complains about blurry vision when using his laptop or reading books.
● His teacher noticed him squinting often and advised a vision screening. An
optometrist confirmed corneal astigmatism.
● He was prescribed glasses with cylindrical correction and experienced noticeable
improvement in his vision and concentration.
● This shows the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate corrective measures
in managing astigmatism.
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Conclusion
● Astigmatism is a prevalent visual disorder that can affect people of all ages.
● Though it causes visual discomfort and distortion, it can be easily corrected with
proper diagnosis and management.
● Education and awareness about symptoms and early screening are essential for
effective treatment.
● Modern medical interventions and corrective devices have made astigmatism highly
manageable with excellent visual outcomes.
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Thank You