Astigmatism is a disorder of the eye where the irregularly shaped cornea causes blurred vision, discomfort, and headaches. Most people have some degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism often co-exists with myopia (nearsightedness), and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Usually, the surface of the cornea is round, like a basketball. For people with astigmatism, the surface is shaped like a football, and the eye is not able to focus light rays to a single point.
Astigmatism can be easily corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Contact lenses provide a clearer, and a wider field of vision, and provide greater comfort than glasses.
The type of contact lens you have depends on the type of astigmatism you have. Your ophthalmologist will be able to prescribe the right type of contacts for your condition. The contact lens for you could be one of the following:
Types of Contact Lens for Astigmatism
Toric Contact Lenses – Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct moderate amounts of astigmatism. These are made of either a hydrogel material or a highly breathable silicone hydrogel. The word Toric comes from the geometric shape ‘torus.’ A torus looks like a donut, and Toric lenses are shaped like a slice of a donut so they align with the irregularly shaped cornea to give the wearer proper vision. Toric contact lenses need to be prescribed by the doctor who can choose contact lenses that are right for your vision and customize them accordingly.
Gas Permeable Contact Lenses – Gas permeable contact lenses can correct astigmatism without being shaped like a Toric. These contacts for astigmatism are rigid and retain their spherical shape instead of molding to the irregular shape of the cornea. This uniform curve of the gas permeable contact lens replaces the irregularly shaped cornea as the primary refracting surface of the eye. It takes more time fitting gas permeable contact lenses as compared to fitting soft contact lenses and costs more than getting fitted with Toric lenses. Almost 75% of the astigmatic participants said that their vision was better with gas permeable contact lenses. Out of the test subjects, only 10% had worn their gas permeable contact lenses prior to the study, and 60% ended up wearing these gas permeable lenses after the study.
Hybrid Contact Lenses – Hybrid contact lenses are great for most patients with corneal astigmatism. Hybrid contact lenses combine the best of both worlds — the center is made of a rigid gas permeable material, and the surrounding zone is made of a hydrogel or a silicone hydrogel like in Toric lenses. This helps the wearer provide the comfort of Toric lenses and the accuracy of vision of gas permeable contacts for astigmatism. Since these are more customized contacts for astigmatism, they need more time and expertise in fitting. But since these lenses are custom-made for the wearer, they’re more sturdy and better to wear for sports.
Most people with mild astigmatism (up to 0.50D) can wear soft, disposable contact lenses that don’t have any correction for astigmatism. You can still achieve 20-20 vision with a small amount of uncorrected astigmatism.
The experienced team at the InSight Vision Center will help you get the best contact lens, no matter what your level of astigmatism is. Make an appointment now.
Majority of people who have difficulty in seeing make a very common mistake when describing their poor vision. They interchangeably use the terms blurry vision and cloudy vision. However, there is a thin line of difference between both these terms. Both of them can be caused due to very different reasons. So, let’s find out what exactly these conditions are and understand their causes.
What is Blurry Vision?
Blurry vision is when the object you are looking at appears to be out of focus. In such condition, you may feel that squinting will make the object clearer. One of the best examples of blurry vision is the way an image appears on camera before you adjust the lens or give it a moment to focus on the subject. Symptoms include poor peripheral or left or right field of vision.
What are the Causes of Blurry Vision?
There are multiple factors which can cause blurry vision. Some of the most common ones are as follows:
Near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism
Cataracts
Corneal scarring or opacification
Abrasions to cornea
Age-related macular degeneration
Optic Neuritis
Retinopathy
Injury or trauma to the eyes
Infectious retinitis
Some conditions in particular can cause headache as well as a blurry vision. These include migraine, low blood sugar, stroke etc.
What is Cloudy Vision?
Cloudy vision is when it feels like you are looking at everything through a haze or fog. You might feel like there is a blurry film on your eyes and you can almost wipe or blink it away. For instance, looking through smudged glasses or through a window on a foggy morning is what having a cloudy or foggy vision feels like. It can be caused due to different reasons. Hence, the combination of its symptoms depends on the underlying cause. Its commonly occurring symptoms are as follows:
Double vision
Appearance of halos around lights
Light sensitivity
Watery or dry eyes
Poor night time vision
Bloodshot or red eyes
What are the Causes of Cloudy Vision?
One of the most common eye condition which causes cloudy vision is cataracts. As a part of the aging process, the lens of the eye loses its transparency in cataracts. Hence, it is generally seen in older people. Dirty or damaged contact lenses are also a very common factor resulting in cloudy vision. Besides, if the contacts are worn for too long, eyes become overly dry and can result in cloudy or blurred vision.
Other causes include changes in or damage to the cornea due to infections or inflammations. Also, conditions such as macular degeneration, optic nerve disease and diabetes may cause your vision to turn cloudy.
Since blurry vision and cloudy vision both can indicate presence of certain serious health issues, it’s important to get your eyes regularly checked. An ophthalmologist can identify early signs of eye health issues and even detect related signs of other underlying diseases.
If you too are experiencing any symptoms of either blurry or cloudy vision, or have any queries related to eye health, get in touch with us. Our experienced team at InSight Vision Center can help you with any queries or issues related with vision and eye health.
If you are a sportsperson who also wears glasses, then you know that the most frustrating thing is not being able to perform well in sports because your vision is blurry.
Though you should not wear glasses for contact sports such as rugby, soccer and hockey; you must speak to your ophthalmologist to get the right pair of sports eyeglasses when you play other sports.
Sports eyeglasses is essential gear for an active sportsperson.
If you have seen an athlete with an eye injury, they will tell you how it can be prevented by simply wearing strong, durable sports eyeglasses.
And if you have prescription glasses, don’t even think of wearing your regular eyewear when you are playing sports. Glass lenses may shatter under impact and cause an eye injury. Eyeglass frames also don’t qualify for use as safety eyewear because they too might break under impact and may inadvertently hurt you.
You have a bunch of options to protect your eyes when you are playing sports. This includes goggles, eye shields and face masks.
Goggles are useful when swimming, face masks, made of metal or hard fibre cages protect all of your face. Since these are hardly used outside sporting events, most of the time ophthalmologists recommend sports people to wear polycarbonate glasses. Polycarbonate is a specific type of tough and durable plastic.
Sports eyeglasses should be made of polycarbonate lens because:
Virtually Unbreakable
Polycarbonate lens are resistant to impact, in comparison to glass or other types of plastic lens.
Polycarbonate lens are made up of a thermoplastic material which begin as solid, small pellets. These small solid pellets form into the shape of a lens which is then compressed under high pressure and cooled to create a proper lens.
Weightless
Since polycarbonate lens are thinner than other lenses, it makes them an ideal choice for people with strong prescriptions. Lightweight and thin sports eyeglasses that will stay put on your face and not move around will be more comfortable while you are playing sports.
UV Protection
Polycarbonate glasses help to protect exposure from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This will also help prevent any eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
You generally need protection from the UV rays when you are out playing in an open ground, and polycarbonate glasses help block out harmful UV rays.
Anti-Scratch
Adding a scratch-resistant layer to your already scratch-proof polycarbonate lens will make sure that your sports eyeglasses can withstand any point of impact.
It is really important to get the best possible eyewear to maximize your sports performance. For this you need to select the right frame proper fit of sports eyeglasses is very important for both safety and comfort.
Any sportsperson who wants to achieve their best in the sport they play, then having an excellent vision is an essential factor in achieving the desired success. Sports eyeglasses should be at the top of your list when you shop for gear and accessories to enhance your game.
If you are looking to buy the right eyeglasses that are ideal for your sports activities and daily needs, our expert team at InSight Vision Center will help you find them in Fresno, CA.
A massive 25 million Americans have cataract. It is a common eye condition in which the lens of the eye gradually becomes weak and your vision is impaired completely. A research done by the study “The Future of Vision” estimates the number of cataract patients will rise to 38.5 million by 2032 and 45.6 million by 2050. (Source: https://www.preventblindness.org/millions-americans-have-cataract) Cataract massively reduces the sharpness of vision. The most common sign is a yellowish-brown tint that clouds your vision.
June is Cataract Month
June has been declared as Cataract Awareness Month by Prevent Blindness to educate the masses on the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options. As you age, your eyesight takes a backseat and you rely a lot more on your reading glasses for every activity that you undertake. Cataract often ambushes the eyesight of adults over 40. But untreated cataracts do not come with a lot of noticeable symptoms.
It starts with a difficulty to see things around you. Most people assume it’s a prescription upgrade they require and the first thing they do is rush to an optometrist. Some people might not be able to work or read under the same light, often not realizing you’re damaging your vision a little more. Untreated cataracts get worse with time and before you know it; your vision will get blurry to the point where no type of prescription lenses will work. Many people may also suffer from a dry eye that can leave you feeling tired all the time.
But there’s no need for you to suffer for too long. These signs often indicate that it’s time for you to get cataract surgery.
Here are Some Signs for Untreated Cataracts:
Double Vision
Double vision is an early sign of cataract. The cloudy layer on the eye lens can scatter the light entering your eyes which leads to the formation of two images. Looking for correction measures earlier is necessary to avoid adverse problems.
Difficulty Discerning Colors
Cataract may affect your color vision. You may see some colors faded, and slowly, your vision may take on a yellowish or brownish tinge. Discoloration due to cataract often goes ignored. But if it worsens, for example, difficulty distinguishing purples and blues, you must get your eyes examined.
Compromised Night Vision
With age, the lens of your eye, which sits behind your pupil, becomes cloudy. You may experience bothersome vision problems such as halos and glare at night. Cataract surgery is recommended if you need better visual acuity at night, especially when you are driving.
Total Blindness
Untreated cataracts lead to the road of complete blindness or legal blindness. People often feel worried when they hear the word “blindness”. But blindness caused by cataracts is reversible to restore your vision with the help of cataract surgery and a pair of special contact lenses is designed for both adults and children.
Cataract Surgery Complications at a Later Age
Though cataract is a safe procedure, it can, like other surgeries, often pose the risk of complications and serious medical illnesses. And the level of risk at an older age is higher. Let’s have a look.
Slow and inconvenient recovery
With age, the risk of developing serious diseases such as thyroid, hypertension, cancer, etc. increases. And people with these pre-existing conditions have higher chances of showing signs of complications such as slow recovery. Diabetes, which is a common health issue in seniors, can alter the healing process dramatically.
Side-effects of Medication
Some people at an older age may not respond to medications very well. And this can lead to complications. For example, using steroids for long-term can make them likely to develop an infection. Or, the medication used for thinning the blood to prevent blood clots can make bleeding likely.
You won’t be able to do much about your age or a family history of cataracts. But you definitely make alterations to your diet. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E can help prevent cataracts.
Try to add plenty of vegetables to your meals or add them as sides. Some effective ways to delay the progression of cataracts include reduced exposure to UV rays, eating vitamin-rich foods, avoiding smoking, and wearing the right eye protection gear to prevent eye injuries.
If you already facing vision problems, visit your eye doctor to check for signs of untreated cataracts. Cataract surgery will restore your vision so that you don’t struggle with poor vision as you age.
Book an appointment with an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA to correct your vision so that you enjoy the simple pleasures of life just as everyone else does!
There’s no other activity that gives you that total-body workout as much as an hour of swimming does. From toddlers to seniors, it’s an activity enjoyed by all. The summers have already begun and everyone wants to cool off with a dip in the pool.
But have you wondered what the water is doing to your eyes? Swimming with contact lenses can potentially damage your eyesight. Your eyes may not only suffer bacterial contamination but in addition, you may experience irritation in the eye once you step out of the pool. Infections and sight-threatening conditions like a corneal ulcer may be a potential vision battle.
Eye Issues Due to Swimming:
Your eyes are safe as long as bacteria and irritants don’t get through the tear film that keeps the cornea lubricated. The moment chlorine and the tear film interact; your tear is exposed to the chemical in chlorine which carries a ton of pollutants.
Here’s a look at the two common eye conditions caused by chlorine exposure:
Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is often known as Pink Eye and is a water-borne bacterial eye infection.
Eye Irritation Eye irritation caused by chlorine results in redness and blurry vision, along with the damage of the tear film.
Swimming With Contact Lenses:
When you are swimming with contact lenses, the cornea in your eye suffers a setback in the form of an infection. Chlorine water should never touch your contact lenses. This is especially dangerous to your vision because your lenses may shrink and deprive it of the oxygen it needs. For certain contact lenses like the gas permeable (GP) ones, your ophthalmologist will strongly discourage you from wearing them while swimming. In case you forget to take them off while swimming, make sure you dispose them off immediately.
At InSight Vision Center, we recommend that you use daily disposable lenses if you are a regular swimmer.
We recommend you to take the following precautions if you are swimming with contact lenses:
Wear Well-Fitted Goggles If you are swimming with contact lenses, your eyes will need that extra layer of protection. Well-fitted goggles are essential part of your swimming gear since pools contain a ton of chlorine. Your vision will not be compromised underwater. And vision problems like eye irritation and infection will not surface.
Use Eye Drops If you experience even the slightest irritation after a swim, it suggests that your eyes need some lubrication. Put a few drops in each eye to restore the tear film on your eyes.
Take off Your of Contact Lenses Taking your contact lenses off is your best bet. Chlorine can let bacteria enter your eye lens which can result in a more serious problem. If you absolutely insist on wearing them, get them cleaned with a solution immediately after a swim.
Visit Your Eye Doctor In case the pain or irritation persists more than a day, it’s time for you to visit your eye doctor. Address the issues to your doctor and how long you have been suffering the irritation.
Swimming is a fun way to exercise and stay fit. But the activity comes with some responsibility. Take all the necessary precautions before diving into the pool. Make sure you take your contact lenses off if you often experience eye irritation. Don’t ignore any signs that may bring discomfort to your eyes.
Book an appointment with an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA if you have persisting eye irritation or if you need a fresh pair of contact lenses recommended to you.
It’s not every day that you see people talking about interesting facts about eyesight. But how much do you know about your eye health? There are some who are blessed with perfect 20/20 vision, while others are completely blind. But what about people with certain eye conditions? How can you tell if you have poor vision at all?
Imagine driving down a dimly lit road at night and seeing lights that seem to stretch out in unusual ways. For people with astigmatism, this is a common occurrence that can not only be frustrating but also potentially dangerous. Astigmatism lights appear streaky, blurry, or haloed, and this can severely impair your ability to drive safely at night. So what exactly is astigmatism, and how can you take measures to ensure that your night driving experience is as safe as possible?
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and provide you with some practical tips to help you drive safely with astigmatism.
Astigmatism vs Normal – How people with Astigmatism see?
People with astigmatism see differently than those with normal vision. They may experience blurry or distorted vision at all distances, which can make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other activities that require clear vision. In particular, people with astigmatism often have difficulty with night driving due to the glare of oncoming headlights.
Astigmatism can cause images to appear stretched, skewed, or tilted, which can make it hard to identify shapes or read letters on a page. People with astigmatism may also experience eye strain, headaches, or eye fatigue as their eyes work harder to compensate for the vision problem. The severity of astigmatism varies from person to person. In some cases, it may be so mild that it doesn’t require treatment, while in others, it may cause significant vision problems.
What do Astigmatism Lights at Night Look Like?
Astigmatism lights – Halos, fuzzy vision & streaky lights cause issues with driving at night with astigmatism
Due to Astigmatism the misshapen cornea or lens doesn’t allow proper light intake in your eyes. The lights get scattered instead of focusing on your retina. Therefore if you have astigmatism, you need to squint your eyes more. You may also find yourself reducing the glares of the things in front of you whenever possible.
And the interesting part is that people born with astigmatism may never know this difference until someone points that out to them.
But if you are amongst those who developed astigmatism over time, you will gradually, if not instantly, know that something is wrong with your vision. It’s easy to spot the difference between astigmatism vision vs. normal vision.
Astigmatism lights notoriously appear
hazy with holes
with excessive glare
streaky
blurry or fuzzy
That Viral Tweet from 2019
This Twitter post from 2019 spread like wildfire and fuelled responses from around the world. It made people question their eyesight. It depicted what vision with astigmatism looks like vs vision without astigmatism.
Astigmatism is when the cornea is slightly curved rather than completely round.
With astigmatism, light focuses on several points of the retina rather just one point. This is what people with Astigmatisms vs without. pic.twitter.com/RXWWayFBRJ
In the first image, the light from the brake lights and traffic signs appear distorted, stretching into a wide, starburst shape. This indicated what astigmatism vision looks like. In the second image, the lights coming off of the traffic light appear softer and have a halo shape, which represents clear vision.
This tweet gathered over 80,000 reactions and led many to suspect they had undiagnosed astigmatism. Most of the people who reacted thought the image on the left was a representation of perfect vision, and the results shocked them. Some people with glasses thought the distorted vision was actually a normal condition.
However, journalists from BuzzFeed clarified with the eye doctors, that there is no single image that can accurately represent astigmatism or diagnose its presence. Only a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose astigmatism. The image in the tweet could be attributed to common causes like glare or dry eyes. The main message here is to avoid self-diagnosing based on online information or images and instead, seek professional advice from an eye doctor to receive the appropriate treatment for your eyes.
Driving at Night With Astigmatism
By now, you may understand what astigmatism vision looks like at night if the processing of lights is so distorted normally. Yes, astigmatism gets pretty worse at night. Specifically, it’s scary to drive at night with astigmatism.
Unlike daytime, there is more darkness all-around at night. So naturally, your pupils dilate to allow more light inside the eye. But with astigmatism, more light means more glare. The traffic lights, street lights and headlights of other vehicles help people with normal vision navigate the roads at night. But astigmatism vision can make it harder to distinguish between different types of light sources mentioned above. This can make driving at night particularly challenging for people with astigmatism.
Now you know the different effects of astigmatism at night vs. normal daytime. It’s much worse and more confusing during the night. In the next section, let’s deep dive into the solution for people driving with astigmatism at night. Keep reading if you are one of them!
Solutions for Safely Driving at Night With Astigmatism
Your eye doctor will agree that the following solutions help combat astigmatism lights at night while driving.
Get Your Vision Corrected
Getting your vision corrected is essential since most critical decisions made by drivers are based on sight. Many drivers aren’t aware of the relationship between good vision and good driving, especially if you drive at night.
There are two vision correction options to make life easy for you. The first one is glasses. It’s a proven solution for astigmatism at night. Otherwise, you can get toric lenses. However, you may need some time to get used to them. Figure out what works best for you with the help of your eye doctor.
Wear Anti-Reflector Glasses
If you choose good old glasses for astigmatism at night, get anti-reflector ones. They are much less likely to intensify glare than other corrective lenses. They can also help cut down on poor vision in low light, helping you drive at night.
If you already wear glasses and think you are comfortable in them, try the anti-reflectors glasses and know the difference.
Use Contact Moisturizing Drops
Having to deal with painful, irritated eyes while driving can be not only annoying but also dangerous. Toric lenses for astigmatism often result in dry eyes. Driving at night can also result in a glare that reflects off the dry, irregular surface of the cornea.
If you wear contact lenses to correct astigmatism, use contact moisturizing drops to prevent drying your toric lenses.
Get a LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery refers to laser eye surgery and vision correction. It’s considered the permanent solution to the everyday annoyances of dealing with corrective lenses when you have astigmatism.
With a quick recovery rate, LASIK eye surgery can save you money on the annual costs of glasses and contact lenses. And more importantly, it will help you with a better vision to allow you to drive safely.
Additional Tips That May Help With Your Astigmatism Night Driving
Adjust your headlights: Make sure your headlights are properly aligned and aimed, as misaligned headlights can make it harder to see while driving at night.
Clean your windshield and headlights: Dirt and grime on your windshield and headlights can cause glare and reduce visibility. Regularly clean both to ensure optimal visibility.
Reduce interior lights: Bright interior lights can reflect on your windshield and make it difficult to see. Dim your dashboard lights and avoid using your phone or other bright devices while driving.
Slow down: Driving at a slower speed can give you more time to react to unexpected situations and reduce the risk of accidents.
Take breaks: If you feel tired or your vision is blurry, take a break and rest your eyes. This can help reduce eye strain and improve your ability to see while driving.
Parting Words
Driving at night with astigmatism is a severe life hazard. Therefore, you must not only do your own vision analysis. You also must show these pictures to your family members and loved ones to check which image they identify with.
The issue of astigmatism lights can easily be resolved with solutions like glasses, toric lenses, and LASIK eye surgery. Also, an eye exam is important not just to correct astigmatism vision but it is to safeguard your overall health and wellness.
If you have untreated astigmatism, lights may appear streaky, hazy, haloed, or ringed by a starburst pattern. This can have a significant negative impact on your night driving abilities and make it challenging to see well in low light.
Astigmatism patients may be sensitive to light, especially in a bright environment. This is because astigmatism can make it uncomfortable and sensitive for the eyes to focus on light. However, not everyone who has astigmatism suffers from light sensitivity, as it might differ based on the person's particular condition.
Starbursts around lights can be a common symptom of astigmatism or other vision issues, caused by the irregular shape of the cornea or lens in the eye. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, it's crucial to visit an eye doctor.
Astigmatism can be corrected by Lasik. However, it is crucial to consult with an ophthalmologist to find out if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Bad vision can be caused by astigmatism, nearsightedness & farsightedness. These can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or some surgeries. These conditions are genetic to a certain extent, but may also be influenced by your environment. Globally, about 80% of vision impairment cases are avoidable (Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment). But here’s what science has to say.
Environment over Genetics
If two people are nearsighted, it’s more likely their children will be nearsighted. However, if a child spends a lot of time reading or working up close, and not much time outside, they may actually need reading glasses. But if kids are brought up in the right environment, they can maintain good eyesight without experiencing headaches and perform well at school and other activities.
How Can You Treat Bad Eyesight?
1. Inculcate Good Habits
There are plenty of good habits you can inculcate in your child to prevent them from struggling with poor eyesight. Most kids these days carry digital devices with them wherever they travel.
We’ve seen kids with phones and iPads on the trains, outside a movie theatre, and of course at home. You need to limit the amount of time your kids spend on these devices. These gadgets also shouldn’t be easily accessible. And instead, it should act as a reward.
Kids should also be encouraged to spend more time outdoors rather than simply gaming or sitting in front of a television. Motivate them to play with the neighbor’s kids or find time to play a ball game with them. Make sure they’re active for a major part of the day.
2. Provide Vitamins for Eyesight
Providing vitamins for eyesight is another way for you to make sure that you encourage healthy eating habits and an overall improved lifestyle. This includes eating the right foods that give your kids’ eyesight a big boost. But healthy foods don’t necessarily have to be boring.
Your kids are simply not going to eat an entire bowl of salad. But if you try to include green vegetables in an omlette, sandwich, or pasta, they will consume all the right vitamins. Encourage your kids to also eat citrus fruits, fish, eggs, and nuts. These foods contain plenty of nutrients and help your child maintain a well-balanced diet.
3. Get an Early Eye Exam
While good habits and a healthy diet are important to maintain eyesight, it’s also crucial for you to take your kids for an early eye exam. Many kids may suffer from poor eyesight without even realizing it.
A healthy set of eyes is essential in the growing years. It helps kids understand the world around, familiarizes them with their immediate environment and people. Good eyesight also helps your child concentrate in the classroom without experiencing mild headaches and blurred vision.
Taking your kids to an eye doctor will help detect any early eye conditions that can be easily corrected with glasses. In the growing years, kids should get a yearly eye exam done to help them succeed in the classroom, in sports, and in other activities.
Poor vision may be hereditary to an extent but doesn’t affect your kids’ eyesight if a healthy routine is put into place. If you’re looking for an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA, book an appointment with Insight Vision Centre today for a comprehensive eye assessment of your kids’ vision. Book an eye exam today.
Most people with astigmatism are born this way. It’s a natural condition. In rare cases, astigmatism can result from an eye injury or surgery. Astigmatism stems from a bend in the cornea in a way that distorts light.
Almost everyone has some degree of astigmatism because their vision is not perfect. Symptoms include blurry vision, headaches, squinting, and poor night vision. The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred or double vision. Children often don’t recognize these symptoms because they don’t really know that they have an eye condition. Early astigmatism treatment can significantly reduce distorted vision and other associated problems.
Eye doctors can quickly and easily confirm astigmatism with a vision test. If a doctor finds blurred vision at all distances, they know it is astigmatism. Tests done to measure the cornea for contacts can also find problem areas.
In this section, we will discuss some natural remedies that may help control astigmatism symptoms. It’s important to note that these remedies are not meant to replace professional medical treatment and advice, but rather can be used in conjunction with it.
Vitamins
Astigmatism often comes with other vision problems. Blurry vision up close or far away can mean near or farsightedness. Often prescriptions for eyeglasses will include distance and astigmatism both. But treatment for astigmatism also includes eye vitamins. What you eat has a huge impact on your eye health and overall well-being. Eating right is the key to correcting minor vision problems.
Here Are Some Important Eye Vitamins That Help to Control Astigmatism:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is excellent for good eye health. Natural sources of vitamin A include dark leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, carrots, and winter squash. Including these vegetables in your regular diet will ensure you’re getting all the vitamins you need for good vision. If you don’t particularly like the taste of spinach and kale, add them to your smoothies! Carrots, added to other vegetables like cabbage and tomatoes make an excellent choice for soups.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B will encourage good vision. Fish like salmon, trout, and catfish are also an excellent source of Vitamin B. Eggs, dairy, poultry, beef, and lamb also make a good addition to your meals. Vegans and vegetarians too can get their source of protein through avocados.
Vitamin C
Does your diet include enough citrus foods? Vitamin C is essential for your overall health and also encourages good vision. While supplements are easily available, it’s best that you eat natural foods that contain Vitamin C. Oranges, lemons, dark leafy vegetables, strawberries, and peppers are all rich in Vitamin C.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are another potential option for those seeking natural treatments for astigmatism. The effectiveness of herbal treatments for astigmatism has received little scientific study, however some people have reported success in using certain herbs to improve their vision.
Bilberry: This is a popular herb used to treat number of eye disorders. It contains antioxidants called Anthocyanosides, which are believed to help protect the retina and improve vision. It may also help to reduce inflammation and strengthen blood vessels in the eye.
Ginkgo Biloba: This herb is renowned for its ability to enhance blood flow and circulation. It is thought to aid in enhancing blood flow to the eyes, which can enhance eyesight and lessen eye strain. Some studies have shown that Ginkgo Biloba may also help to protect the retina from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Fennel: This herb is a natural source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the eyes from damage. It also contains other nutrients, including vitamin A and potassium, which are also necessary for supporting eye health.
Turmeric: This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce inflammation in the eye. Some studies have suggested that turmeric may also help to protect the eye from damage caused by oxidative stress.
It is important to note that herbal remedies should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Before using any herbal remedies, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for your individual needs and health status.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are one of the most important steps you can take to naturally fix astigmatism. Here are some changes you can make:
Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water are important for maintaining good eye health. They can also help prevent dry eyes, which can make astigmatism symptoms worse.
Exercise regularly: Exercise improves eye muscle strength and increases blood flow to the eyes, which can help prevent and control astigmatism.
Take frequent breaks from digital devices: Long-term use of digital devices like phones, computers, and tablets can exacerbate astigmatism symptoms and strain the eyes. Regular pauses, looking away from the screen, and applying the 20-20-20 rule (20 seconds every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away) can all help.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for maintaining overall eye health. Sleeping enough helps in avoiding eye strain and dry eyes, which can worsen astigmatism symptoms.
Manage stress: Eye health might suffer from stress. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and other stress-reduction methods can be used to control stress and stop the symptoms from getting worse.
By making these lifestyle changes, you can naturally manage and prevent astigmatism from getting worse. However, it’s important to remember that these changes may not completely cure astigmatism, and it’s still important to see an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Limitations of Natural Remedies
There can be certain limitations on the usage of natural treatments for astigmatism. While certain treatments might offer brief remission, they might not be able to fully eradicate astigmatism.
The efficiency of natural therapies may differ from person to person, which is another drawback. One person’s solution might not work for another, and some treatments might even have adverse effects. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that natural treatment may take longer than conventional ones to show benefits.
Additionally, depending entirely on all-natural treatments could put off a correct diagnosis and course of therapy for underlying eye disorders that might be the cause of astigmatism. To ascertain the root of astigmatism and the best course of action for therapy, it is advised that you speak with an eye professional.
Finally, it’s critical to realise that natural therapies shouldn’t be taken in place of routine eye exams and appropriate eye care. Maintaining good eye health requires adopting healthy lifestyle practises, visiting an eye doctor frequently, and adhering to their advised treatment plan. For severe cases of astigmatism, your doctor will recommend other methods to treat astigmatism to regain your distorted vision after conducting a test.
Common Astigmatism Correction Methods
Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses
The most common way to treat astigmatism is by recommending corrective lenses. Your doctor will prescribe a particular pair of soft lenses called toric. These contact lenses help to bend more light in a specific direction than the other. In more severe cases, you may require a gas-permeable rigid contact lens. Astigmatism treatment also includes the use of eyeglasses to treat vision problems.
Early Intervention
Remember that both children and adults are susceptible to the symptoms of astigmatism. And it’s important that you and your little one visit the doctor’s office for an annual eye exam to determine potential eye conditions. A delay in astigmatism correction can lead to frequent headaches, lethargy, and fatigue. For kids, it can also hinder their learning ability at school. Kids who are passionate about co-curricular activities may also lose out on great opportunities if they have poor vision. Adults, on the other hand, may not be able to sit in front of the screen for long hours.
If you or a family member is facing vision problems to a certain degree, it’s important that you seek treatment immediately. Book an appointment with Insight Vision Center today for comprehensive eye care.
Selecting the right eye doctor is important. You need someone who can take charge of your eye health and suggest treatments as and when needed. Make sure you select an eye doctor who takes genuine interest in helping you improve your vision. Get a comprehensive eye exam done to understand your eye health better. Unlike other problems in the body, the symptoms of vision problems are not as prominent. If you’re living in the Fresno, CA area, there are several vision centers to choose from, so it’s important that you pick the one that’s right for you. You want to do the work and pick the eye doctor in Fresno, CA that can help you best.
Here are some factors you should consider when selecting an eye doctor in Fresno, CA:
1. Visit the Clinic
A great way to understand your eye doctor is by visiting the clinic. Check if you’re greeted by a receptionist or a staff member. Observe how the staff members interact with one another. Are they always in a rush or do they seem impolite to you? Paying attention to these signs will help you understand if you’re comfortable being in such an environment or not.
Finally when you meet your eye doctor, ask them plenty of questions. See how they respond to you and whether they make eye contact. Check if they are constantly working on the computer or organizing equipment. And while you’re at the office, look around for displays of the doctor’s diplomas and licenses.
2. Understand the Team, Specialties and Affordability
Once your family has provided you with a few recommendations, do a bit of research on the doctors. Find out if they have been accused of malpractice in the past, verify their credentials, and check their areas of specialization, such as glaucoma, LASIK, pediatrics, etc. Find out what vision care products they offer and if they are abreast with the latest technology.
3. Go through Their Website
There’s a lot you can find out from the website. Usually, there is a chat box that initiates a conversation with you to answer queries you may have. In addition, there may be testimonials on their homepage that will give an idea about how reliable their services are. Go through the services they offer for vision correction and check if the procedures they have explained are easy to understand. Look out for any offers and benefits they may have introduced. And check if they fit into your budget.
4. Go for an Initial Eye Examination
This is the most self-explanatory factor. A one-on-one interaction with your doctor will be the easiest way for you to make a judgment about who’s serving you. Do they welcome you with a smile? Do they make you feel comfortable? Do they take genuine interest in your well-being? Do they explain why a particular service is recommended to you? These are a few questions you should be asking yourself before you decide to proceed with a vision correction procedure.
5. Check with Your Insurance Plans
Tapping on your insurance information is also vital. You can check with your insurance company about the eye doctors covered under your plan. Get a list from them and narrow down your choices so you know which doctors you can ultimately visit.
Teaming up with the right doctor is instrumental to good vision care. Go through the above tips to ensure you make a wise choice. A relationship with your eye doctor must be built on trust and should transcend into a lasting connection.
If you have been looking for an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA, book an appointment with Insight Vision Centre today for a comprehensive eye assessment.
A majority of people who wear contact lenses are guilty of sleeping with contact lenses on at some point or the other in their lives. So what happens if you sleep in contacts?
Sleeping with contact lenses on can lead to severe eye infections, corneal ulcers and other eye health problems which may result in permanent vision loss. An example of how your eyes become prone to infections if you sleep with your contacts on is this. Throughout the day, pollutants present in the air get into your eyes and some of these may work their way under the contact lenses. If you sleep with your contacts on, the combination of closed eyelids, reduced eye movement and low oxygen levels help the infection causing bacteria and viruses to thrive. This gives way to severe eye infections.
Red and irritated eyes, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, excessive tearing and ulcers in the eye are some of the common symptoms of sleeping with your contacts on. Listed below are some of the serious risks associated with frequently sleeping while wearing your contact lenses. Take a look:
• Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis – One of the most prevalent side effects of sleeping while wearing contact lenses is conjunctivitis. Commonly referred to as pink eye, this viral infection is basically an inflammation of the conjunctiva. It covers the white portion of the eye and lines the inner sides of the eyelid. Itching and discomfort are experienced in this condition. A special form of this viral disease known as Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is also commonly seen in people frequently sleeping with their contact lenses on. In this condition, bumps develop on the inner surface of the eyelid causing pain and sensitivity to light.
• Keratitis – This condition is similar to conjunctivitis to an extent. The inflammation caused in this condition affects the cornea, the clear part in the front of your eyes through which you see. Apart from all the symptoms of conjunctivitis, there is a risk of your vision being damaged due to keratitis. It can be caused due to bacteria, fungi and amoebae. Of all these three, amoebic keratitis is the most serious form and may result in loss of vision. Another form known as Contact Lens Acute Red Eye or CLARE often comes on suddenly during sleep and can cause severe pain and light sensitivity. Corneal ulcers caused due to keratitis may lead to permanent blindness if not treated properly.
• Corneal Neovascularization – Apart from infection, those who sleep while wearing contact lenses are also at the risk of oxygen deprivation in the eye. This causes the eye to grow more blood vessels in order to increase the supply of blood to the cornea. The increase in blood vessels hinders the light from travelling through the cornea normally, thus impairing vision. This is known as corneal neovascularization.
• Blindness –If keratitis is left untreated, it can lead to minor vision loss or the need for a cornea transplant or even blindness in some cases. Those who wear contact lens can reduce the risk of infection by dedicatedly following all the precautions related to cleaning, handling and storage of the contact lenses. Purchasing disposable soft contact lenses is also a good option for those who find the maintenance of contacts tedious.
Sleeping with contact lenses on is never a good idea. To learn more about how to use and care for your contact lenses so that you can enjoy perfect vision without any associated risks, get in touch with us. Our team of eye experts at Insight Vision Center is dedicated to help you restore perfect vision without any hassles. Book your appointment today.
