The ability to see the world around us clearly is invaluable.\nBut for many people, this is not a given.\nOne of the most common visual disorders that can impair the visual experience is astigmatism. <\/p>\n\n
In this article you will learn, among other things, what astigmatism is, what the symptoms of astigmatism are and what treatment options are currently available. <\/p>\n\n
The eye is a remarkable organ made up of several components that work together to focus incoming light and send visual signals to the brain.\nThe outer layer of the eye is formed by the cornea, a clear, curved structure<\/strong> that acts like a lens to focus incoming light and project it onto the retina.\nThe cornea is crucial for the refraction of light <\/strong>and plays an important role in focusing images onto the retina.\nAn even curvature of the cornea<\/strong> is therefore crucial for clear and sharp vision. <\/p>\n\n A distinction is made between two “types of astigmatism”: <\/p>\n\n However, if the cornea is irregularly shaped, as is the case with a curvature, the light is not refracted correctly.\nThis creates multiple focal points<\/strong>, resulting in distorted or blurred vision.\nPeople with astigmatism have difficulty seeing clear images, especially at a distance. <\/p>\n\n The symptoms vary depending on the degree of curvature of the cornea and can vary in severity.\nNot all of the symptoms mentioned here are always present at the same time – even one or two of the problems described can indicate astigmatism: <\/p>\n\n Corneal curvature is usually measured by an ophthalmologist or optician.\nThere are various methods of measuring the curvature of the cornea, including <\/p>\n\n At EyeLaser, we can determine an existing astigmatism as part of our free suitability test and the non-binding preliminary examination<\/a> and also determine the degree of astigmatism – whether regular or irregular astigmatism. <\/p>\n\n Thanks to modern medicine, anyone who suffers from astigmatism has various options for compensating or even permanently correcting defective vision.\nInstead of conventional visual aids, more and more people are opting for a one-off refractive procedure that permanently corrects astigmatism<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Astigmatism correction with laser eye surgery always works according to the same principle.\nThe structure of the cornea is changed so that it is regularly curved after the procedure.\nThere are different methods to achieve this, all of which we offer at EyeLaser Vienna: <\/p>\n\n Which procedure is used depends on the severity and other personal factors.\nTogether we will find the laser eye surgery that suits your eyes. <\/p>\n\n Neben dem klassischen Augenlasern gibt es jedoch auch die M\u00f6glichkeit eines Linsentauschs oder einer Linsenimplantation.<\/strong> Dabei wird die nat\u00fcrliche Linse entweder entfernt (Linsentausch<\/a>) und durch eine Multifokallinse ersetzt, die die Verkr\u00fcmmung ausgleicht oder die nat\u00fcrliche Linse wird durch eine Kunstlinse erg\u00e4nzt (Linsenimplantation<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n Correcting astigmatism by wearing glasses or inserting contact lenses generally works equally well.\n Special toric lenses<\/strong> are used with glasses, although toric contact lenses<\/strong> are also available as an equivalent.\nThese have a different refractive power in the vertical and horizontal directions<\/strong> in order to compensate for the irregular refraction of light by the curved cornea.\nDepending on the degree of curvature, it may be necessary for the glasses or lenses to be individually adjusted by an optician in order to precisely compensate for the curvature. <\/p>\n\n However, if you opt for this option, you will be dependent on wearing the visual aids for the rest of your life.\nThis incurs ongoing costs<\/strong>, can be a nuisance<\/strong> in everyday life and can restrict your quality of life.<\/strong> Nevertheless, it is possible to correct visual defects with glasses and\/or contact lenses. <\/p>\n\n In severe cases of astigmatism that do not respond to other treatment methods, a corneal transplant may be considered.\nIn this procedure, the affected cornea is replaced with a healthy cornea from a donor<\/strong> to restore vision. <\/p>\n\n However, this variant of treatment is the most invasive and costly.\nAs a rule, correction using conventional treatment methods is more appropriate and more promising. <\/p>\n\n
Why is it harder to see with a curved cornea? <\/h3>\n\n
Corneal curvature symptoms at a glance: <\/h2>\n\n
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Diagnosis of astigmatism: keratometry, topography & autorefractometer <\/h2>\n\n
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Astigmatism correction: How astigmatism can be treated<\/h2>\n\n
Laser eye surgery and lens surgery <\/h3>\n\n
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Glasses or contact lenses <\/h3>\n\n
Corneal transplantation <\/h3>\n\n