All you need to know about astigmatism lights
Astigmatism is quite a common eye problem that causes people to have distorted or blurry vision. It can affect long-distance vision and near vision, and is usually accompanied by discomfort or strain in and around the eyes. People with astigmatism often have to squint in order to see better, thus causing eyestrain and even headaches. One of the distinct telltale signs of astigmatism is the different way that light is perceived as compared to normal vision.
How Do People with Astigmatism See Lights?
People with astigmatism see lights in a different way from how a person with normal eyesight does. Sometimes the lights seem to have streaks emanating from opposite ends of it, or it might resemble a starburst, creating a bright, even pretty pattern around it. Sometimes lights appear to have a halo around them. Sometimes they are simply blurred. It can be very different because astigmatism cases are not all exactly the same.
Astigmatism Lights vs. Normal Vision
Astigmatism occurs when the curvature of the cornea or the lens is not how it should be. Instead of being evenly round like a normal healthy eye should be, the eye of someone with astigmatism is elongated, either vertically or horizontally. This causes distortion and blurring in one's vision, most evidently in the way that light is perceived.
When you look at images of astigmatism lights and normal vision lights side by side, the differences between the two are apparent. But it's quite interesting that for people who have had astigmatism since childhood, what they are seeing would naturally seem normal for them. In fact, they won't even be aware that there is something wrong with their vision unless someone, perhaps an eye doctor, tells them about it. On the other hand, a person who is only just developing astigmatism would be more likely to notice the changes that are gradually taking place.
Can We Fix Astigmatism Naturally?
Astigmatism is an eye problem that can be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses, or by undergoing refractive surgery. However, there are also some very simple and completely natural procedures that one can do in order to reduce the strain caused by astigmatism, and perhaps even stop the condition from progressing any further.
Although not necessarily a cure, one of the most frequently prescribed procedures for reducing astigmatism related eye strain is exercise. Taking short breaks when working in front of the computer, reading, or doing other close-up work is vital to maintaining eye health. It will also help to consciously blink to keep the eyes well-lubricated, as well as to use ample lighting to minimize stress on the eyes.
Can Glasses Fix Astigmatism Lights?
Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses is the most common way to deal with astigmatism. By wearing the correct prescription, a person will be able to see lights normally. These corrective glasses come with a cylindrical lens that effectively balances out the imperfection in the curvature of the lens or cornea. For many astigmatism cases, wearing glasses can give the wearer 20/20 vision. However, for more severe cases, glasses can still help but usually not to the extent of bringing your vision back to 20/20.
It is very important to understand that wearing glasses will not reverse astigmatism. Conversely, not wearing glasses will also not make astigmatism worse. What glasses do is to help you see clearly while you are wearing them. If you want a permanent cure for astigmatism, you will have to undergo laser eye surgery.
Glasses for Astigmatism
1. Lina - Oval Black Glasses
If you are going to wear glasses only for astigmatism and no other vision problems, then you will only need a single-vision lens. This means you can wear a smaller or narrower frame like the Lina oval black glasses. With its clean and classic design, it is perfect for all occasions, goes well with any outfit and flatters just about any facial shape.
2. Jeremiah - Rectangle Gold Rimless Glasses
Rimless glasses allow for a wider field of vision with a relatively flat lens, which is ideal for astigmatism, as frames that are too curvy cause distortion that can lead to headaches and eyestrain. The Jeremiah rimless glasses are thus a great choice for both men and women looking for astigmatism glasses with a professional and classy look.
3. Pippa - Cat Eye Brown Glasses
The more you wear your astigmatism glasses, the sooner you can get used to them. And it will be easier to wear glasses all the time if they are very comfortable and lightweight, just like this Pippa cat eye frame made of a combination of metal and TR90 material. Suitable for all-day wear, this pair will not only make you see better but it will make you look better as well.
Tips for People with Astigmatism to Drive at Night
Driving at night is one of the greatest challenges for people with astigmatism. The distortion and blurring of lights can make it especially hard to focus on the road, what with so many oncoming headlights and street lights to deal with. This will not only be an annoyance or discomfort, but it can be very dangerous as well.
If you are already aware that you have astigmatism, the first thing you need to do is get fitted with the right prescription that will eliminate astigmatism lights. Go to your eye doctor and they will give you a thorough eye exam to figure out the best solution to your condition.
When buying glasses for astigmatism, it would also help to choose lenses that have an anti-glare feature. This can greatly reduce the streaks and halo effects typical of astigmatism lights. If you have very low grade astigmatism that does not necessarily require glasses, it would still help a lot if you wear night driving glasses, which are non-prescription lenses that have a yellow tint that reduces glare.
If you are older and have started developing cataracts on top of the astigmatism, this can double your vision problems while driving at night. It would be wise to have the cataracts removed before they get worse and undergo a lens transplant procedure that will give you much better vision and also get rid of the astigmatism.
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