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A distorted world Do not panic with astigmatism
Astigmatism is widespread. But many people do not know that they have one. Affected see their environment with a certain blur. A treatment is usually necessary only with a strong curvature.
Many do not know about their astigmatism
Many people do not even know that they have one - but are scared when they hear it: Only the word astigmatism sounds threatening. It sounds like something's broken on the eye. "I think that is in the population a term that makes many insecure," said Stefan Bandlitz of the Higher School of Ophthalmic Optics Cologne to the news agency dpa. One cause for concern, however, is not the curvature. "That's something quite normal," says Bandlitz. "A standard variant." The curvature, also called astigmatism, is automatically corrected at the optician with the glasses, without the wearer of the glasses learns about it. If the correction does not occur, the person concerned does not see clearly.
Corneal curvature can cause significant vision impairment, but is easy to treat. (Image: mmphoto / fotolia.com) Consumed vision
While nearsighted people see blurred vision, the picture warps when the astigmatism is astigmatism. Professor Thomas Kohnen of the German Ophthalmological Society compares this with a distorting mirror. He said to dpa: "That's like, when you stand in front of this mirror at the fair and the body is very long drawn." This has something to do with the fact that the curvature of the cornea, which differs depending on the direction, causes the rays of light to enter the eye The retina is not bundled to one point, but in some places stronger and at others weaker bundled - they are unevenly broken and finally as a line - as a rod - shown. Therefore, one called astigmatism early astigmatism. "But that's a rather outdated concept," says Bandlitz.
Warp is only perceived above a certain value
The shape of the cornea is described as American football by Professor Michael Knorz of the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists in Germany. "The cornea does not look like a ball, but it is crooked." As a rule, astigmatism is innate and inheritable. The weaker the curvature, the less affected they feel when they see. Knorz assumes that they perceive the curvature only from a value of 0.75 diopters. Astigmatism does not necessarily have to be compensated with glasses or contact lenses. "If they do, they look better," said Professor Knorz. Those who opt for a pair of glasses are given so-called toric lenses. These can be noticeable in the price. "It's like a tailor-made suit or dress," says Knorz. "The moment the claims get higher, it gets a bit more expensive."
To balance corneal curvature with contact lenses
Corneal curvature can also be compensated with contact lenses. The rumor that this is not possible is still widespread. "That's also because you could not make contact lenses so special in the past," said Bandlitz. It's different now. The stronger the curvature, the better, according to the experts even a contact lens. In contrast to the spectacle lens, which has a certain distance from the eye, the lens sits directly at the point where the vision defect arises. However, contact lenses have the problem that they can increase the susceptibility to eye infections. Another option to treat astigmatism is lasers. This is possible up to five dioptres. From six diopters, doctors advise against it. There are several methods available, such as LASIK, Femto or Smile procedures to treat ametropia. However, it is possible that the astigmatism may come back at least partially after lasing.
Value remains the same
Whether the curvature is compensated with glasses or contact lenses, the value is not improved or worsened in the long term: "It remains relatively constant throughout life," said Kohnen. Smaller fluctuations are possible. However, if the score worsens, sufferers should become suspicious. You should contact a doctor. It can then be the rare disease keratoconus. The cornea thins out more and more. (Ad)