Is Astigmatism bad?
Have you been diagnosed with Astigmatism and are wondering is Astigmatism bad?
Firstly, let's discuss with is astigmatism to determine if it is bad.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a prevalent eye condition characterised by blurry vision at all distances, whether near or far. The cause of this refractive error lies in the irregular shape of the cornea or natural lens, which prevents the eye from focusing light directly onto the retina—the light-sensitive surface lining the back of the eyes.
The cornea is ideally round, but in cases of astigmatism, certain areas may be more curved than others, leading to a distortion in the way light rays converge on the retina. Astigmatism affects the eye's ability to properly refract or bend light, and it often coexists with conditions like nearsightedness or farsightedness. While some individuals may have astigmatism from birth, it can also develop after an eye injury or surgery.
It's important to note that astigmatism severity can vary, and its measurement is expressed in diopters. In the following section, we will present the astigmatism severity scale to help better understand the condition's varying degrees.
Astigmatism Severity Scale:
A perfect eye with no astigmatism has 0 diopters, but some individuals may have a mild astigmatism ranging between 0.5 and 0.75 diopters, while others may have higher diopters. Several astigmatism severity scales exist, and we will list some of them below.
Mild Astigmatism:
If the diopter is lower than 1.00, it is classified as mild astigmatism. Around 33 percent of people have mild astigmatism, which is generally considered normal and doesn't require corrective lenses or surgery for clear vision. Symptoms are often minimal or unnoticeable in mild cases.
Moderate Astigmatism:
A diopter range between 1.00 to 2.00 indicates moderate astigmatism. This condition is somewhat more serious and typically necessitates corrective lenses or laser surgery to achieve clear vision. While you might manage without glasses, you may experience noticeable symptoms, and wearing glasses can help correct the issue effectively.
Severe Astigmatism:
Astigmatism with a diopter range of 2.00 to 3.00 is classified as severe. Severe astigmatism can lead to significant symptoms that impact your daily activities. Blurred vision and associated headaches can affect your overall well-being.
Extreme Astigmatism:
For diopter values higher than 3.00, the condition is considered extreme astigmatism. This level of astigmatism requires treatment to achieve clear vision at both near and far distances. If left untreated, extreme astigmatism severely impairs visual clarity.
Ultimately, the need for glasses depends on the level of astigmatism and its impact on your vision. In cases of mild astigmatism, glasses may not be necessary, while moderate to extreme cases often benefit from corrective lenses or other treatments for improved vision.
You can check out our range of Bjorn Blue glasses which are all available in prescription.
Determining the Need for Prescription Glasses in Astigmatism:
Based on the astigmatism severity scales provided earlier, you may wonder at what level of astigmatism glasses are necessary.
For mild astigmatism, wearing glasses or pursuing other astigmatism treatments is generally not required however, we always recommend a pair of blue light glasses! However, for cases of moderate or more severe astigmatism, glasses or other corrective measures become essential.
If you find yourself in need of glasses to correct astigmatism, consider trying Bjorn Blue glasses. Not only are they stylish, but they are professionally made in an Australian optical lab. Moreover, the convenience of having the glasses delivered to your doorstep makes the process even more appealing.
Note:
It is crucial to schedule regular eye checkups as astigmatism can change over time. If you wear glasses, ensuring that your prescription remains accurate is essential.
Even if you currently do not require glasses, monitoring your eye health is vital in case you experience worsened astigmatism in the future. Taking proactive measures to maintain your eye health can prevent potential complications and ensure optimal vision.
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So Is Astigmatism bad? No but you should always take measures to ensure you have good eye health if you have Astigmatism like a quality pair of glasses like ours at Bjorn Blue.