I am 59, good health. I recently went to an ophthamologist because of double vision in my right eye. He said my eye looks healthy and that this is astigmatism, related to aging and that there is nothing that can be done about it. CAn you till me a little more about astigmatism. Is it likely to get better or worse or also affect the other eye? Is there any remedy? Thanks for any information you may have.
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D.
Astigmatism refers to an irregularity in the focusing mechanism of the eye. There are different types of astigmatism relating to different irregularities. The most common type of astigmatism is corneal astigmatism. In this situation, the cornea, the clear "windshield" of the eye, which is also the main focusing structure of the eye, is not perfectly round. Ideally, the front surface of a focusing lens should be round like a basketball. With astigmatism, that surface is more oblong, like a football. The change in shape causes distortion of vision. This type of astigmatism is also called "regular" astigmatism. The lenses in glasses, or some contact lenses, will compensate for this astigmatism and allow normal vision.
"Irregular" astigmatism occurs when the focusing surface of the eye is further distorted, such as by a scar in the cornea or in diseased corneas. In this case, simple glasses may not be able to allow normal vision, but a hard contact lens will often improve vision.
Finally, lenticular astigmatism means that the focusing aberration is in the crystalline lens of the eye, rather than in the cornea. Glasses and special types of soft and hard contact lenses can allow normal vision in this situation.
Mild to moderate degrees of astigmatism are extremely common. Astigmatism will tend to change with age, but the exact change cannot always be predicted for each individual.
There are surgical procedures that can be performed to correct astigmatism on a more permanent basis, but they are limited to certain types and degrees of severity. The vast majority of people with astigmatism wear either glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996